Expectations

Your surgeon’s office will schedule your procedure with us. A member of our nursing staff will call you 5-7 days prior to surgery to review your health history and to discuss any pre op testing needs. You will need a complete physical </= to 30 days prior to surgery and this can be done either by your surgeon or your primary care provider.  The surgeon’s office will inform you of what is required before surgery.

Remember you must have nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before your surgery unless you have received special instructions from our staff. Our nursing staff will also instruct you regarding your daily medications and which medications you can take prior to surgery and which ones you may need to stop prior to surgery. 

Please make arrangements to have a responsible adult drive you to and from the Facility and remain with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. It is helpful to have this person at the Facility to review your discharge instructions. 

We ask that you bring only ONE visitor the day of surgery.  No minor children are allowed as guests so please make arrangements for them when you are being cared for.  This decreases the risk for infection, allows us to focus on you as the patient, and give you time to heal and rest.  

We ask you to please dress for comfort. You will need to change into a patient gown at the Center. Do not wear any jewelry or bring valuables. We do need you to bring your insurance card and some form of picture identification. Parents, your picture identification is all we require for your children if theyHoliday Inn Lincoln Southwest are having surgery.  You may bring a book, an iPad, or something to pass the time while you are waiting for your procedure. 

If you’re coming from out-of-town and you’re in need of overnight accommodations for your surgery, we’ve secured a contract with these hotels.

Holiday Inn Lincoln Southwest
2500 Tamarin Ridge Rd
Lincoln, NE 68512

Hampton Inn Lincoln — South/Heritage Park
5992 Vandervoort Drive
Lincoln NE 68516

If at any time you have questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 531-249-5030. We are available Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

What is anesthesia?

Anesthesia is the loss of sensation and/or consciousness by the use of medications and close monitoring. It provides comfort and maintains vital life functions during surgery and other medical procedures.

Anesthesia is used to relax (sedate) you, block pain sensations (analgesia and anesthesia), induce sleepiness and forgetfulness (amnesia) or make you unconscious for your surgery. The anesthetic option chosen for your individual procedure will be based on your physical condition in collaboration with your surgeon.

Preparing For Anesthesia

Your surgeon or a nurse will give you a list of instructions before surgery.

In addition, a nurse from the Surgery Center will contact you to perform a brief interview and answer any questions you may have. Based on your surgeon’s recommendations, do not eat or drink for a certain length of time before the surgery. The amount of time depends on your medical condition and the type of anesthesia that will be used. If you take any medications regularly, ask your surgeon or anesthesia provider whether you should take your medication on the day before or on the day of your surgery.

You will need to give written consent for surgery, and anesthesia, as well as to receive other necessary medications. Your surgeon will explain why your surgery is needed, what it will involve, its risks and expected outcome, and how long it will take you to recover. Your anesthesia provider will have the same discussion with you about your anesthesia care.

Recovering From Anesthesia

Immediately after surgery, you will be taken to a post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), often called the recovery room, where nurses will observe and assist in your immediate recovery. A nurse will check your vital signs, bandages and ask about your discomfort level. Some effects of anesthesia may persist for many hours after the procedure. You may have some numbness or reduced sensation in the part of your body that was anesthetized with local or regional anesthesia.

Other common side effects of anesthesia are closely monitored and managed to decrease your discomfort. These side effects include:

■ Nausea and vomiting. In most cases, nausea after anesthesia can be treated and does not last long.

■ A mild drop in body temperature (hypothermia). You may feel cold and shiver when you are waking up.

Recovering From Anesthesia At Home

■ A responsible adult must drive you home and remain with you until the effects of anesthesia have subsided, usually within 24 hours.

■ You will remain sleepy so plan to rest. In most cases you can resume activity in a few days.

■ Plan a light meal for after your surgery such as soup and saltines. You will start with liquids at the surgical center.

■ You may receive a prescription for medication to relieve incisional discomfort. Take any medication with a light snack.

■ Follow the instructions provided by your Surgeon. These will be reviewed with you and your caregiver by your nurse at the surgical center.

■ A member of our nursing staff will call you after your surgery to review your progress but you may contact your surgeon’s office for any major concerns you may have prior to this call.

Our staff are dedicated to your child’s health and comfort with the goal to provide your family with a positive experience. Our trained staff will help reassure and comfort your child throughout their entire stay. The staff will also provide information and support for your child’s family. Here are some helpful suggestions to better prepare you and your child for surgery:

■ If available, it is helpful for both parents to be present on the day of surgery

■ No minor children are allowed as visitors. Please make arrangements for your other children the day of surgery.

■ Bring your ID and child’s identification (birth certificate, school ID, SS card, if available.)

■ Bring a comfort item, such as a stuffed animal or toy.  Bring pacifiers, bottles, sippy cups and blankets to make them feel comfortable and at ease. 

■ You may arrange a visit to tour the Facility prior to surgery for you and your child.

■ You will be required to remain in the Facility the ENTIRE time your child is in our care. 

■ Our nurses will contact you prior to the day of surgery to obtain necessary information to better care for your child. During the pre operative call, the nurses will prepare you for what to expect the day of surgery and answer any questions you may have at that time.