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Before Surgery
Day of Surgery
After Surgery
Before Surgery
Do I need to visit the center before surgery date?
You will need an up-to-date medical history and physical form. You may need blood tests, EKG or x-rays. Your surgeon will advise where you will have this done.
Preoperative tours are available for children undergoing a procedure at Pocono Ambulatory Surgery Center.
You may choose to come to the Center before your surgery date to complete paperwork or make payments. You also can pre-register online through MyPASC. We strongly recommend that you complete all preoperative documentation before the day of surgery.
May I pre-register for my surgery?
Yes. For your convenience, we encourage you to complete all the registration forms before the day of your surgery. That way, you can simply walk in the day of your surgery and be shown to your room, rather than fill out pages of paperwork. You can pre-register online through MyPASC.
What if I cannot make my appointment?
Please notify the surgeon and Pocono Ambulatory Surgery Center as early as possible if you cannot make your scheduled appointment. Early notification can help us better accommodate you and other patients.
Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery?
Refraining from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery reduces your risk of aspirating gastric contents during your surgery. Because this is a serious complication, it is important to follow the recommendations.
You will be given a specific time before your surgery when you must refrain from eating and/or drinking. There's no need to fast for longer than recommended.
Will I be contacted before my surgery?
Yes, you will receive a call by the nurse before the surgery who will give you preoperative instructions and answer any of your questions. You also can call the center directly with any questions.
What are some reasons my surgery might be postponed?
Please make sure your care team is aware of any recent changes to your health history including chest pain, high blood pressure, cuts, burns, eye infections or falls. If your care team is not aware of a change like this, it could lead to your surgery being postponed.
May I speak to my anesthesiologist before the surgery?
You will be seen by the anesthesiologist on the day of surgery and will have time to ask 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.
What if I have special needs?
If you are an adult with special needs, we will make every effort to accommodate you. 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 us at 570-421-4978 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.
Day of Surgery
What should I bring with me on the day of surgery?
- A case for eyeglasses or contacts
- Insurance identification cards, driver’s license, completed billing forms, copayments
- Any medications you're currently taking
- A favorite bottle or “sippy cup” for your child
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 contacts case. Please do not wear any make-up as this can hide certain clinical signs. Please remove all body piercings.
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, nail polish or toiletries. These may interfere with the anesthesia monitoring and possibly hide clinical signs from the anesthesiologist. Please do not shave unless you've been specifically instructed to shave by your care team.
What should I do if I am not feeling well?
If you are not feeling well, please contact your surgeon immediately. During normal business hours, you can call the center for advice. There are some surgeries which are safer if delayed when you are sick. It's important we know all the details.
What should I do if I started my menstrual cycle?
This will not affect most surgical procedures. There are a few specific gynecological procedures which may be impacted by menstruation. Call us if you have any questions at 570-421-4978.
What should I do if I believe that I am pregnant?
If you think you may be pregnant, please let your care team know as soon as possible. Only essential surgeries are done on pregnant patients. If there is any doubt please contact us immediately at 570-421-4978.
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 sugar at the center.
People 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. You should bring these medications with you the day of surgery. Please call us with any questions you may have.
May I continue my herbal medications?
Herbal medications may have harmful effects on your surgery. They may effect your blood's ability to clot and interfere with your anesthesia. We generally request that you stop these medications two weeks before surgery. Please remember to mention herbal supplements you are taking when being asked about medication.
Who may accompany me?
In order to ensure the safety of our patients and colleagues, we currently allow one visitor per patient.
Two parents and/or guardians can accompany a child to the center. We will do our best to accommodate everyone. However, only one parent and/or guardian will be permitted into recovery at a time. Please refrain from bringing young children to the center as guests.
Will I receive sedation before going into the operating room?
We will individualize your care.
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.
We will use a combination of different modalities to keep you comfortable:
- oral medications
- intravenous medications
- nerve blocks
- injection of local anesthetic during the surgery
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 surgery centers are of the healthier group of patients, and in these circumstances 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.
After Surgery
May I drive home?
If you receive anesthesia, you should not drive until the next day. You will need a ride home from a responsible adult and care for 24 hours post-op.
You will not be allowed to drive, walk or take public transportation home after sedation or anesthesia.