What are the steps that must be taken to prepare a patient for surgery in the ambulatory care setting?

Careful attention to the following instructions will help ensure your comfort and reduce the possibility of complications. Failure to comply will cause your surgery to be postponed or cancelled.

• Do not eat or drink anything including water, chewing gum and mints eight hours prior to surgery, unless instructed otherwise by your physician. Medications for blood pressure, heart conditions, asthma or emphysema may be taken with a small sip of water at their usual prescribed times. Undigested food in the stomach can cause complications and your surgery is likely to be postponed for your own safety if you forget to follow this instruction.
• Please be prepared to list all medications you are currently taking and bring any with you that you may need during your stay here, such as an inhaler or insulin.
• Bathe or shower and brush your teeth (taking care not to swallow any water) the morning of surgery. This will assist you in feeling refreshed as well as minimize the chance of infection. Male surgical guests should shave in the normal fashion in the morning.
• Do not wear make-up or nail polish to the center. Please leave hairpieces, jewelry and all valuables at home. If you wear contacts, dentures or hearing aids, bring a case for their safe keeping. Wear loose fitting comfortable clothing that can easily be removed and put back on. Please be sure to bring with you a photo ID (preferably a driver's license) and your insurance card.
• Alcohol and tobacco are best avoided one to two days prior to your surgery.
• Arrange for an adult to drive you home. For your own safety and protection, you will not be allowed to drive after surgery. By law, you may not drive for at least 24 hours following SURGERY. Your judgement is considered impaired due to the medications you receive. Similarly, arrange for a responsible adult to stay with you for the first night following surgery. In the case of young children having surgery, it is best to have someone along with the driver to help care for the child on the trip home.
• If you suspect that you are pregnant or that there is any possibility of being pregnant, please notify your doctor and anesthesiologist. Anesthesia and medications may be harmful to your developing baby.
• If you experience any health changes between your recent visit to your doctor and the day of your procedure, notify your doctor. Please report even minor changes such as an elevated temperature, cough or cold.
• Diagnostic studies and lab work will be determined by your doctor's office. They will schedule these studies for you and discuss where these studies can be performed. Please inform the facility performing your studies to fax the results to Portsmouth Ambulatory Surgery Center (603) 433-6691 prior to your surgery date.
• Go to the home page and click the “On line Clinical History “link and fill out your clinical history.  If we have not reached you by noon the day prior to your surgery to review your medical history, preoperative instructions, and financial arrangements, please call (603) 433-0941.
• You are expected to arrive no later than one hour before your surgery time to allow us ample time to prepare for your surgery.
• Report to the reception desk as soon as you arrive. Please bring with you a photo ID and your insurance card(s). We will then escort you to the Surgical Guest Care Area and help you prepare for your procedure. You will be asked to sign an informed consent before medication is given to you.
• Young children having surgery are to have at least one parent or guardian in the facility throughout the surgery period. Please feel free to bring any stuffed animal or security blanket for added reassurance. Children may come in their pajamas. Please bring whatever bottle or sippy cup your child uses if they can't drink from a cup.
• Only two visitors will be allowed in the Wake Up Area. No one under 16 will be allowed.