About Your Surgery
Your physician has determined that your surgery will be performed on an Outpatient basis. This means that you will be discharged from the hospital the day of your procedure, usually a few hours after it has been completed. Although, in some instances, it may become necessary for you to spend the night after surgery.
To help assure that your procedure goes according to schedule and to promote optimal conditions for your post-surgical recovery, we request that you carefully read and follow these guidelines. Back to top.
The Week Before --Pre-Operative Testing
Please arrange to have any laboratory tests, X-Rays or other tests requested by your physician performed 24 to 48 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time. Please bring the physician's order to the pre-op testing appointment. Back to top.
Registration
To help make your visit as efficient as possible, we recommend that you pre-register by telephone or on-line. Please call our Admitting Department at 714/524-4872. Back to top.
Insurance
Please bring your insurance card(s) with you to your pre-op testing appointment. If you are being treated due to a workers' compensation injury, please call the Admitting Department with detailed employer and liability insurance information. If you have any questions regarding your hospital billing or payment arrangements, you may contact our financial counselor at 714/524-4260. Back to top.
The Day Before - Diet and Smoking
Unless your physician instructs you differently, it is important that you have nothing to eat or drink for 12 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time, including water. This measure is critical to your safety during anesthesia. We recommend that you do not smoke for 12 hours prior to surgery, as it may exacerbate the effects of anesthesia. Back to top.
Surgery Day - Personal Preparation
- Do shower just before arriving at the hospital.
- Don't wear make-up, perfume or cologne. If you do, you will be required to remove it.
- Do wear comfortable shoes and clothing that are easy to put on.
- Don't wear contact lenses.
- Don't wear jewelry of any kind. If you do, you will be required to remove it.
- If you have dentures, you may wear them the day of the surgery.
What To Bring
- Sleepwear is not needed. You will be given a hospital gown to wear during your surgery and post-surgical recovery.
- Your room is equipped with cable TV. You may also wish to bring a book or magazine.
- Bring glasses if you use corrective lenses. Contact lenses may not be worn during or after surgery and should be left at home.
- Do not bring jewelry, cash, cell phones, computers or other valuables to the hospital. Do not leave valuables in your hospital room. Placentia-Linda Hospital cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to your personal property if you choose not to comply with these recommendations. Back to top.
Arrival
It is important that you arrive at the hospital at least two hours before your scheduled surgery time. If your physician has not indicated an exact time for your procedure, please call our Admitting Department at 714/524-4872 for assistance. If your procedure will be paid for by insurance, Medicare and/or Medi-Cal, please bring your card with you. Back to top.
Non-Adult Patients
Any surgical outpatient under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian throughout the entire hospital stay. No exceptions to this policy will be permitted. If the patient is a very young child, you may wish to bring a favorite toy or stuffed animal. You may also wish to bring him or her for a tour of the hospital a few days before. Back to top.
After Your Surgery - Post-Surgical Recovery
You will be released from the hospital when your physician and nurses have determined that you have sufficiently recovered from anesthesia. Occasionally, it may be necessary for a patient to spend the night after outpatient surgery.
At the time of discharge, you will be given specific instructions regarding your surgical dressings, medications and proper rest and diet. These instructions are important to your recovery; and should be followed carefully.
Unless you receive other instructions, you should consume only clear liquids for six hours after surgery. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours after surgery.
Transportation
For your safety after surgery, hospital policy requires that you be released to a reliable adult who can drive you home. You will not be permitted to drive yourself home after surgery.
If you are unable to arrange your own transportation to and from the hospital, please call our Admitting Department at 714/524-4872 one or two days before your surgery to arrange for free local transportation within a 10-mile radius. Back to top.