Surgery Pre-op Instructions

For a print friendly PDF version of these instructions with the map, click here.

Step 1 | Preparing for Surgery

Registration and Pre-Admission Testing (PAT)
Please call 419-998-4607, option 3 to register for your surgery.

During your PAT visit, you can expect the following:

• Appointment time: Expect your appointment time to last approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour. Your appointment time may be longer if your history is extensive or you are scheduled for services in another department.
• Dress casually for your exam.
• Bring your insurance card(s) and picture identification.
• Bring a copy of your living will and / or durable power-of-attorney form(s) if you have either.
• PAT staff will obtain a detailed medical history and complete a physical examination.
• The PAT staff will take your vital signs, along with your height and weight. You may need an electrocardiogram (EKG), blood work or x-rays.
• If you are going to be late or need to cancel your PAT appointment, please contact the PAT Department.
• Enter Lima Memorial through the main visitor entrance.
• After your PAT appointment, you may be asked to make a follow-up appointment with your physician to clear you for surgery. You will be seen by the anesthesiologist on the day of your surgery.

Step 2 | What to Expect Before Surgery

• Do not eat or drink after midnight on the night before your surgery. Medications should be taken with a sip of water, unless you are directed differently by your physician. Note: Children 8 years of age and under may drink water or Pedialyte up to 4 hours prior to scheduled surgery time. (Example: If surgery is scheduled for 8 a.m., your child must not drink anything after 4 a.m. on the day of surgery).
• Please arrive at Lima Memorial two hours before your scheduled surgery time. Your physician will confirm your surgery time in advance.
• If you are diabetic, please check with your physician for special instructions.
• Please do not smoke on the day of your surgery.
• Bring your insurance card(s), medication list, prescription card and a photo I.D. with you on the day of surgery.
• Leave all valuables at home. You will be asked to remove your contacts and jewelry before surgery.
• Enter Lima Memorial through the main visitor entrance. Let the volunteer team know you are here for surgery, and you will be escorted to the check-in area. 
• You will be in a private room. Your privacy will be protected throughout your stay.
• A family member is encouraged to stay with you.
• Your nurse will explain all of the preoperative and postoperative procedures and answer questions you may have.

Step 3 | What to Expect During Surgery

• When you arrive in surgery, you will be greeted by the surgery team to include your nurse, nurse anesthetist and anesthesiologist, who will verify your health information.
• You will be taken to the operating room and moved onto the operating table.
• The room will be cold, but warm blankets are available for your comfort.
• Your nurses will attach monitoring devices to you to follow your progress throughout the procedure.
• Your pain will be controlled during and after surgery.
• After surgery you will be taken to the recovery area.

Step 4 | What to Expect After Surgery

• A recovery nurse will provide you with one-on-one care.
• Your nurse will monitor your vital signs closely.
• Your pain will be well controlled.
• Expect to be in recovery for 60 minutes or longer if you went under general anesthesia.
• If you are an inpatient, you will be taken to a floor within the hospital to continue your recovery. If you are an outpatient, you will be taken back to the Surgical Outpatient Unit.
• Your physician will consult with your designated family members following surgery.

Additional Guidance for Patients Preparing for Surgery or Procedure - COVID-19 Safety Measures.

Your health and safety are our top priority. In preparation for your procedure, we have prepared important guidance for you to review and practice now and until your procedure. We stress the importance of these measures to help maintain your overall health and decrease your risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus prior to arriving for your procedure.

4 Days Prior to Your Procedure | COVID-19 Testing Performed at Lima Memorial

• You will be screened for COVID-19 prior to your surgical procedure.
• If the screening results in a positive response, you will be asked to provide a swab sample to test for COVID-19.
• If needed, the COVID-19 test collection will take place in a drive-up manner at the main entrance of Lima Memorial’s Emergency Center and is available to you 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., seven days a week.
• Upon arrival, please park underneath the canopy, and remain in your vehicle. Call 419-228-3335, and ask for extension 2033. Inform the associate of your name, date of birth and that you are here for a preoperative COVID-19 testing. If you do not have a cell phone, please park your vehicle, and enter through the Emergency Center entrance. Please notify the patient registrar of your need for a preoperative COVID-19 screening.

Prior to Your Procedure | Quarantine Precautions While Home

• Do not share bedding, towels, dishes, utensils or water bottles with others.
• Practice overall good hygiene habits, get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals.
• Frequently disinfect all high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, phones, remote controls, appliances, sinks, countertops, handles and toilets.
• Prohibit visitors to your home if they are sick with a cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle pain, sore throat, or a new loss of taste or smell, as these are common symptoms of the COVID-19 virus.
• If you develop any of the above COVID-19 symptoms, please notify your surgeon’s office immediately.

Day of Your Procedure

• Please do not come if you are not feeling well or if you have any of the above symptoms. You can cancel and reschedule your procedure by calling your surgeon’s office.
• Please wear a mask upon entering the hospital. Your temperature will be checked by one of our team members at the front entrance.
• Your caregiver will also be required to wear a mask upon entering our hospital and will have his / her temperature checked as well. He / she may be asked to return to their vehicle during your procedure.
• To keep your caregiver informed, text messages will be sent to provide information as to what phase of care you are in. This will also allow your caregiver to stay informed and have an understanding of when you will be ready for discharge.
• With your permission, your physician will call your caregiver and provide an update on how the procedure went.
• Your caregiver will be asked to return to the hospital to be a part of the discharge process and receive care instructions.

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