Preparation for Surgery:

In order to insure that your experience at the Suffolk Surgery Center is as pleasant as possible, please help us to obtain your medical history, any pertinent test results and billing and insurance information. This information is usually required one week prior to your scheduled surgery and may be provided by your physician.

A member of our preoperative nursing staff will contact you the day prior to your scheduled surgery and may ask you a number of health related questions and also confirm your scheduled appointment time. The nurse will also advise you to bring with you, a complete list of medications that you are currently taking, and also provide you with instructions to follow prior to your scheduled surgery. Please leave any valuables such as jewelry at home

Arrival Time:

As mentioned above, you will be contacted by a member of our pre-operative nursing staff one to two days prior to your surgery and at that time; the nurse will provide you with a time that you should arrive at the center. When you arrive, our staff will assist you in completing your registration, change clothing and perform any preoperative orders requested by your physician. The anesthesiologist will meet with you and ask you questions to determine your medical history and will also be available to answer any questions that you may have regarding your anesthesia care. Our staff is also very aware that you may be very anxious concerning your surgery, so please ask questions. We want you to be very comfortable and well informed.

Pre-Op:

Prior to your surgery, you will be escorted to the preoperative area by your nurse who will assist you in changing your clothing and preparing for the surgery. An intravenous line will probably be placed in your arm or hand and you may be given some medication to ease your anxiety. The physician and anesthesiologist will explain your procedure and the type of anesthesia that you will be receiving and you will be asked to sign consent forms.

Operating Room:

Once you are in the operating room, your safety and comfort are our primary concern. Your physician and the surgical team will see that your surgery proceeds smoothly.

Recovery Room:

Following your surgery, you will spend a short time in the recovery room. Your anesthesiologist and the recovery room nurse will determine when you are able to be discharged and go home. The nurse will provide you with individualized instructions and will insure that you understand what you can and cannot do following your surgery. Because you may have received anesthesia as well as post-operative pain relief medications during your procedure at the Center, it is necessary that you have a responsible family member or friend drive you home. After you return home, if you experience any problems or have any concerns, you may contact us at the center or you may contact your physician. Upon your discharge, you will receive a patient satisfaction questionnaire. These questionnaires are extremely important and helpful in determining how we can improve our service, so please take the time to complete and return the questionnaire to us. The day following your surgery, you will receive a call from a member of our nursing staff to see how your are doing and again assist you in addressing any concerns or questions that you may have.