NPO stands for "nothing by mouth". This includes water, gum (gum increases natural saliva production), hard candy, food or drink.
You will be provided a surgical gown during your procedure. Please wear loose, simple, comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Leave all jewelry and contacts at home. Please keep in mind what you are having done and bring the appropriate clothes. For example, for shoulder surgeries, loose button-up shirts are best, for leg surgeries, loose shorts or pants are recommended. Whichever site you are having worked on, wear something that will facilitate a bandage, cast or other type of dressing. If you are having a colonoscopy or endoscopy, comfortable street clothes are fine. And please remember to leave all valuables at home.
Yes! Please contact your physician for NPO status (what they can eat or drink pre-surgery) for your child because they have different guidelines than adults. A parent or legal guardian must be present at our facility while the patient is in surgery and recovery, so please plan accordingly.
Your child will most likely have an IV in place when they wake up from their procedure, which will be removed after they are awake and taking fluids without nausea.
If you are taking any heart medications, blood pressure medications, blood thinners (including aspirin and aspirin-like products like ibuprofen), diet pills, herbal supplements or diabetes medications please contact a pre-op nurse.
In addition, please contact us if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- Latex allergy or latex sensitivity
- Diabetes
- Heart conditions
- Kidney or liver failure
- Pregnancy
- If you have been feeling ill lately (fever, cough, or other concerns)
There are several reasons for this rule. First, if there are contents in your stomach, you are more likely to get nauseated and get sick after surgery, and no one wants that. Second, when anything is present in your stomach, including water, excess saliva, food or drink, these contents can be regurgitated and inhaled into the lungs. This may cause complications, including severe pneumonias.
After your procedure, you may be tired and groggy and may not be up to a trip to the pharmacy. Filling your prescriptions beforehand will be easier on you and you will have pain medications on hand when you need them.
If you are having any surgery on your lower extremities, ask your physician if you will need crutches. If you do, please get the crutches before your surgery as we do not provide them.
Please contact the physician scheduled to do your colonoscopy if you have questions or need assistance regarding the prep.
Please contact your physician's office the day before your procedure to confirm the correct appointment time.
If you are having a surgical procedure, you may experience normal pain afterwards. To minimize pain after an orthopedic procedure, ice and elevation of the affected extremity will help minimize swelling, reducing pain. If you have been given a prescription for pain medications, get it filled as soon as possible (before surgery). Stay on top of your pain by taking the pain medication when you first become aware of pain sensations. Remember, always eat before taking pain medications to avoid nausea.
If there is a break in the skin around your surgical site, the chance of infection is increased. If you notice any break in the skin anywhere close to the surgical site, please notify your surgeon immediately.
Yes, you will need to have an adult take you home after any procedure requiring sedation or anesthesia. This is for your safety. In case you need help at home, you will need someone available to assist you. Patients cannot drive for 24 hours after having sedation or anesthesia.