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.
At Placentia-Linda Hospital, we strive to provide you with a positive surgical experience. Following these instructions will help ensure your comfort and reduce the possibility of complications. 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.
Consumption
Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before your surgery. This includes coffee, water, gum, mints and smoking. Back to top.
Surgery Day - Personal Preparation
- Do shower the day of surgery.
- Do wear comfortable clothing that will be simple to change in to. You will be provided a hospital gown to wear.
- If you have dentures, you may wear them the day of surgery.
- Men and Women: do not shave below the neck.
- Do not wear make-up, perfume/cologne or hairspray.
- Do not wear contact lenses.
- Do not wear jewelry of any kind. If you do, you will be required to remove it.
Medication
- If you take medication for blood pressure or heart and you normally take that medication in the morning, we request that you do so on the day of surgery with a small sip of water.
- Please bring a list if your medications, dosages and frequency with you to the hospital.
- Do not take medications for diabetes or blood sugar the morning of surgery unless you have been instructed to by your physician.
- If you are on Aspirin, Coumadin, Plavix or an anti-inflammatory such as Motrin, your physician may have advised you to stop taking it. If not, please advise your nurse.
What To Bring
- Bring any X-rays, MRI or Ultrasound or other reports your physician may have requested. Back to top.
Arrival
We ask that you arrive at least 2.5 hours prior to your scheduled time of surgery unless specifically instructed differently by your physician or pre-operative nurse. You will check-in at the Reception Desk in the Main Lobby. 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 your primary ride has time restrictions, have an alternate plan ready. Back to top.
Placentia-Linda Hospital aims to provide the best possible care to every patient who comes through our doors, with a clear focus on quality and service. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 714-524-4806 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.