Preparing for Surgery
Preparing for Surgery
What to expect before, during, and after your procedure
Preparing for surgery can feel overwhelming, especially when there are instructions, appointments, and logistics to keep track of. Your Touro care team will guide you through each step and provide specific instructions based on your procedure and individual health needs.
Before your procedure
Before your scheduled procedure, Touro's Pre-Admission Testing team may contact you to review important health information and help determine whether any lab work, testing, or additional preparation is needed.
Your care team will also provide instructions about:
- Where and when to arrive
- Eating and drinking before surgery
- Medications you should take or temporarily stop
- Transportation home after your procedure
- Any additional preparation specific to your surgery
Be sure to follow the instructions provided by your physician and care team, since preparation may vary depending on your procedure and health history.
The day of your surgery
Where you check in will depend on the type of procedure you're having and where your surgery is scheduled.
After check-in, your care team will help prepare you for your procedure. This may include reviewing your health information, confirming your procedure, and answering any questions you may have before surgery.
Patients having procedures in Touro's main hospital may receive care through the Day Surgery Unit before and after their procedure.
Patients scheduled at the Touro Outpatient Surgery Center will receive specific arrival and check-in instructions from their care team.
After your surgery
After your procedure requiring anesthesia or sedation, you may spend time in the recovery room while your care team monitors you and makes sure you're ready for the next stage of recovery.
Depending on your procedure and how you're doing, you may:
- Return to the Day Surgery Unit before discharge
- Transition to an inpatient hospital room if additional care is needed
- Return home the same day to continue recovering
Before you leave, your care team will provide instructions about medications, activity, follow-up appointments and any symptoms that should prompt you to contact your physician.
Preparing to recover at home
Before surgery, it can be helpful to plan ahead for your recovery. Depending on your procedure, you may need someone to drive you home, stay with you for a period of time, or help with everyday activities while you recover.
Your care team will let you know what support you may need and when you can safely return to normal activities.
Questions before your procedure?
If you have questions about how to prepare for surgery, contact your physician's office or the care team coordinating your procedure. They can provide instructions specific to your surgery and health needs.
