Preparing for Surgery
Learn how to help make sure you have a smooth, safe visit to St. Bernards Medical Center for surgery.
Preadmission Testing
Your doctor will make an appointment for you to go to preadmission testing at St. Bernards Imaging Center or St. Bernards Specialty Clinic. Here, the nurses will take your vitals and ask about your medications. You may see an anesthesia nurse to screen you for surgery clearance. It is very important to keep this appointment in person or on the phone in order for us to prepare for your surgery. You’ll receive a packet of instructions for surgery prep and soap to shower with at home before you come on the day of surgery.
Day Before Your Visit
Notify your physician before coming to the facility if there is a significant change in your physical condition, such as high fever, infection, heart problems or breathing difficulties.
The surgery department will call you with your arrival time two business days before your surgery. Please make sure to answer or clear your voicemail so they can leave a message.
Colonoscopy
If you are scheduled for a colonoscopy, you should have been given instructions for a prep to clean out your colon before the exam. Read all the instructions carefully. Call the doctor's office if you have any questions about the prep. If you do not complete the prep as instructed, your exam may be incomplete, or it may have to be canceled after you arrive.
Surgery
Eat a light supper on the day before your procedure. DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT. (This includes candy, water, coffee, chewing gum, etc.) If you eat or drink anything, your procedure will be canceled or rescheduled (unless your physician gave you specific instructions). Prescription medication authorized by your physician may be taken with a small sip of water.
Have Someone Drive You Home
Make arrangements in advance for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery. We recommend that they stay with you until the following morning. You are not allowed to drive your vehicle after the procedure. If you arrive at the facility without a responsible adult to provide transportation, your procedure will be rescheduled for another day. Taxi service is not permitted, unless you have a responsible adult riding with you.
Follow Your Instructions
Carefully read and follow the instructions provided by your physician and the office staff. Those instructions are important for the safety and quality of the procedure you receive.
Questions regarding bowel preparations, dietary restrictions and medications should be directed to your physician’s office.
Arrive on Time
Be on time and call the center if you will be unavoidably late. If you must cancel your procedure, please contact your physician’s office at least two days in advance. They will advise ODS of your cancellation.
Allow for some flexibility in the time of your procedure. Your appointment time may be adjusted due to unplanned events.
Medications
Some medications such as aspirin, blood thinners, diet pills, diabetic medication or anti-inflammatory medication may be stopped prior to your procedure. Tell your physician of all medications and supplements (prescription, herbal, over-the-counter) that you are taking. Your physician will inform you if any of your medications should be stopped prior to your procedure. Your questions about medications should be directed to your physician’s office.
Day of Surgery
Learn what to expect on the day of your procedure.
