Do I need to visit the Center before the surgery date?
Some families may elect to bring their children for a preoperative tour of Surgical Center of Ridgefield.
Some patients may choose to come to the Center before their surgery date to complete paperwork or make payments.
Occasionally, a patient may be asked to come to the Center before their surgery for a pre-operative evaluation.
What if I cannot make my appointment?
Please notify your surgeon’s office and Surgical Center of Ridgefield as early as possible if you are unable to make your scheduled appointment. Early notification can help us better accommodate you and other patients.
What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothing. Button-down shirts or blouses are best. Wear comfortable shoes. Leave all jewelry at home, including body-piercing jewelry. If you wear contact lenses, you will probably have to remove them for the surgery, so consider bringing your glasses. If you have to wear your contacts, please bring contact solution and a contacts case. Please do not wear any make-up as this can hide certain clinical signs.
Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior my surgery or procedure?
You refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery in order to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents during your surgery/procedure. This complication is very serious and you need to strictly abide by our recommendations. This has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting after your surgery as some may think.
We have very clear policies as to specific times before surgery when you must refrain from eating and/or drinking. These are all based on current safety standards.
Children may have different fasting schedules than adults – please check in the Children and Special Needs Adults section.
Should I take my usual daily medication?
We generally request that you take your medication before leaving home. Diabetic medications will be individualized. We will usually hold diabetic medicines and manage your blood sugar at the Center. Your daily medications will be discussed during a pre-op phone call with the Pre-Op Call Nurse. Please bring a list of your medications with you.
Patients using inhalers must bring them to the Center on the day of surgery.
Some medications will be stopped for the surgery, particularly diabetes medication and blood thinners. Please call us with any questions you may have.
May I continue my herbal medications?
Herbal medications may have harmful effects on the surgery. Many of these remedies may effect your clotting mechanism and interfere with the anesthetic agents. (The list of drugs and their side effects are too great for this site.) We generally request that you stop these medications two weeks before surgery. Please remember to mention these remedies when being asked about medication.
Who may accompany me?
You are welcome to bring someone with you to the Center. That person will be allowed to be in your room with you before surgery and may sit with you after the surgery if you so choose. A responsible person is required to accompany you home.
When a patient is a child often two parents and/or guardians will accompany him or her to the Center. We will do our best to accommodate everyone.
Please refrain from bringing young children to the Center as guests.
Will I receive sedation before going into the operating room?
We will individualize each patient’s care.
Will I be contacted before my surgery?
Yes. We call each patient prior to the date of surgery to gather information and answer any of your questions. Preoperative instructions will be given by the nurse who calls you. You can also call the Center directly with any questions.
Should I bathe and wash my hair before leaving home?
Yes. You can comfortably take a shower, bathe, brush your teeth, etc. Please do not use make up, hair spray, or nail polish. These may interfere with the anesthesia monitoring and possibly hide clinical signs from the anesthesiologist.
What should I do if I am not feeling well?
If you are not feeling well the day before or the date of surgery, please contact the Center and/or your surgeon. There are some surgeries which are safer if delayed when you are sick. We need to know specific details to make the decision. Please do not delay in contacting your surgeon or the Center.
What should I do if I believe that I am pregnant?
It is very important for us to be aware of this possibility. Only essential surgery is done on pregnant patients. If there is any doubt, please contact us immediately.
May I drive home?
No, you must arrange for a responsible person to drive you home. Do not plan on using taxis, UBER or public transportation. Also, patients will not be permitted to walk home after their procedure. Please make the appropriate arrangements.
May I speak to my anesthesiologist before the surgery?
All patients will be seen by the anesthesiologist on the day of surgery prior to entering the operating room. Sufficient time should be spent to answer any questions you may have. If you need to speak to the anesthesiologist before the day of surgery, you are welcome to call the Center and we will arrange for you speak with an anesthesiologist. We can also arrange a preoperative interview if you desire.
What if I have special needs?
We will make every effort to accommodate any special need you may have. We strongly encourage you to call the Surgery Center in advance so that we can properly prepare to make you comfortable. Do not hesitate to call and suggest anything that may make your day easier.
Should I bring my special needs equipment?
Yes. Please bring any walkers, post-op crutches, hearing aids, etc.
What must I bring with me on the day of surgery?
- A case for eyeglasses or contacts (if applicable)
- Insurance identification cards, photo ID, co-payments (if applicable)
- A list of all medications
- A responsible adult to accompany you home
- Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing
- Do NOT bring any jewelry or valuables
How will my pain be managed?
The management of your pain is of great importance to us. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission until you receive our postoperative call at home. We need to inform and prepare you for each step of the process. This education will begin with our first contact. You will be repeatedly asked to rate your pain from a numerical scale called the Visual Analog Pain Scale, or for children, the Faces Pain Scale. Using the results of our communication, we will alter the therapy as needed in order to assure your comfort.
The management of your pain will be taken very seriously. We will often use a combination of different modalities to help make you comfortable, choosing from oral medications, intravenous medications, nerve blocks, injection of local anesthetic during the surgery, etc. Prior to the surgery, the management of your pain should be discussed with both your anesthesiologist and surgeon. Please feel free to bring up any concerns or fears you may have. Remember that information on pain management gives you the appropriate expectations and hence a smoother, more comfortable recovery.
May I request what type of anesthesia I will receive?
Yes, in certain situations. Some operations can be performed using a choice of different anesthetic types. Your anesthesiologist will discuss available options with you after reviewing your medical history. Your preference will be discussed so that the most appropriate anesthetic plan is made.
Will I receive any sedatives before surgery?
You and your anesthesiologist will develop an anesthetic care plan.
What are the risks of anesthesia?
All operations and all anesthetics have risks and they are dependent upon many factors including the type of surgery and the medical condition of the patient. Most patients operated on in an outpatient setting like ours are a healthier group of patients and in these circumstances any serious complications, while they can occur, are fortunately very rare.
May I go into the operating room with my child?
There will be circumstances where it is appropriate for a parent to come into the operating room. Studies and experience show that this decision needs to be individualized and discussed between you and your anesthesiologist.