What is Ambulatory Surgery?

Advances in medicine, anesthesia, and technology have made surgical procedures faster and less complicated. Because of this, many of today's procedures, when performed on healthy patients, no longer require an overnight stay in the hospital. Doctors, hospitals, and health care advisory groups recognize and agree that this is a safe and efficient way to provide quality health care. Ambulatory surgery is a practical alternative for many people having elective surgery.

Advantages for You

The concept of surgery with little or no hospitalization has met with success because of its advantages.

• Safe and efficient way to provide care
• Convenience
• Less time away from your family
• Less time away from work or school
• You can recover at home in familiar surroundings
• More involvement of your family before surgery and after initial recovery
• Less expensive for you and your insurance company

Ambulatory Surgery Center
The Ambulatory Surgery of Stockton is located at 2388 N. California St. . All perioperative care of the patient is accomplished in this facility. Patients will come directly to the Surgery Center and be discharged from here after certain criteria are met. Involvement of families is recognized as important and is highly encouraged.

Preparing for Surgery
Preparation for surgery involves more than physical preparation, such as physical exam or lab tests. It means preparing yourself mentally, having the confidence and attitude that can help your operation go more smoothly. Your confidence will come in part from your understanding of what happens before, during and after surgery. Ambulatory surgery is a team effort. YOU are the most important member of the team. Successful surgery requires your help. Before surgery you will have discussions with a nurse, your surgeon, and your anesthesiologist. It is important for you to:

• Ask questions
• Answer questions honestly and completely
• Tell us about any concerns you have about surgery
• Follow all instructions
• Be on time for all appointments

All staff members are here to provide you and your family with physical and emotional support, answer any questions, and assist with making your ambulatory surgical experience the best it can be.

General Information
A staff from the Ambulatory Surgery Center will attempt to call you the afternoon before surgery. You will receive information about the time your surgery is scheduled and what time you should arrive at the Surgery Center. Your pre-operative instructions will be reviewed. You will also have an opportunity to ask any last minute questions. There is no day care at the Surgery Center. Children under 12 are not allowed in the recovery areas except for special circumstances. Please call (209) 944-9100 (6 a.m. - 4 p.m.), if you have any change in your health, such as a cold, flu, temperature, or if you need to cancel surgery for any other reason. This is also the number to call if you have additional questions about your surgery.

Pre-Operative Instructions

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight unless otherwise instructed by a physician.
• Shower with soap and brush your teeth the morning of surgery. Taking a shower helps to remove the normal bacteria on your skin that may cause an infection.
• Leave all jewelry, money, watches, and other valuables at home. You may not wear any jewelry to surgery. The hospital cannot be responsible for valuables brought with you.
• Wear comfortable, casual, clothing that is easy to get on and off. The Surgery Center will provide you with a gown and booties. Please do not bring these items with you. There will be a locker available for your clothing while you are in surgery.
• You may bring reading materials, knitting, etc. to enjoy during the waiting period.
• Take routine medications only as directed by your surgeon or anesthesiologist. Bring a list of these medications and the dosage with you.

Before you come to the hospital, please make arrangements for an adult friend or relative to accompany you. This person must be able to accompany you the day of surgery and be able to drive you home when you are discharged. You will not be allowed to leave the Ambulatory Surgery Center alone following administration of anesthetic, pain, or relaxation medications. It is very important that these instructions be followed carefully since your safety depends on it. Failure to follow these instructions may result in surgery being cancelled.

Day of Surgery
When you arrive at the Ambulatory Surgery Center, enter through the main entrance; proceed through the reception desk, where you will begin your admitting process. After the admitting process, the nursing staff will assist you.

• You will be asked to undress and put on a hospital gown, robe, and slippers.
• Your pulse, temperature, blood pressure, and weight will be obtained by the nurse and he/she will do a brief interview.
• You will meet with your anesthesiologist, who will briefly interview you, discuss type of anesthesia, and check lab studies.
• You will be taken to the operating room when preparations are completed.
• Your family may accompany you as far as the exam room.

During Surgery
Immediately before surgery adults may have an IV inserted. Medications and fluids are given through the IV. While you are in surgery, your family can wait in the Ambulatory Surgery Center reception area.

After Surgery
When surgery is completed, you will be taken to the recovery area until you are capable of being released. If you have had a general or spinal anesthetic you will go to Recovery Room for a minimum of one hour. A maximum of two members or your family will be allowed to visit you in the recovery area. It is impossible to predict exactly how long you will be in the Recovery area. The length of time varies from person to person and is determined by the length and type of surgical procedure, the type of anesthetic drugs used, and individual patient differences. While you are in the recovery area, the nurses will be monitoring your progress and assisting with your recovery.

• The nurse will check your pulse, temperature, and blood pressure periodically.
• You may have medication for pain or nausea if needed.
• You will be given ice chips and then liquids to drink.
• Your IV will be removed when you are able to keep fluids down.
• You may be asked to stand and walk. You may feel tired and dizzy, but the nurse will be there to assist you.

You will be evaluated by a physician and a nurse prior to discharge to determine that you are ready to leave the Center.

Discharge instructions will be given to you and the adult accompanying you before you leave.

Discharge Instruction
Even though you are awake more quickly after ambulatory surgery, and patients do not usually experience any difficulty, you may feel drowsy for 24-48 hours after surgery. Your coordination may also be affected.
For your safety:

• Do not drive a car or operate hazardous machinery.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Do not take any medication unless prescribed by your physician.

Important decisions should be delayed until you have made a complete recovery. You should plan to go home immediately from the recovery area and rest for the remainder of the day with a responsible adult to assist you.
Remember, you must have a responsible adult to accompany you home from the Surgery Center.