Technological advances have allowed many surgical procedures to be done on an outpatient basis. Day surgery at the Ambulatory Surgery Center at Seven Rivers Regional minimizes a patient's time away from home or time off from work, as well as enables patients to recover in the comfort of their own environment.

The Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) is staffed by a caring and compassionate team of registered nurses. The Center's dedicated parking and registration areas are convenient for patients having same day surgery or an outpatient procedure. Outpatient surgery/procedures are typically provided as a practical, cost effective alternative to hospitalization.

 
Pre-Admission Testing | Registration | Night Before Surgery | Day of Surgery | After Surgery

Pre-Admission Testing

Many procedures require a pre-admission interview and testing. If this is the case, your physician's office staff will contact the hospital to schedule an appointment. Be sure to bring with you the letter that contains the date and time of your appointment as well as the orders for any tests you are to have. Pre-admission takes approximately one hour.

If you do not require pre-admission testing, any pre-procedure interviews will take place the day of surgery. It is important that you follow any pre-operative instructions that were provided to you in advance. And if there is any significant change in your health, notify your physician before the scheduled surgery date.

Please park in the conveniently located parking area across from the "Surgery Center" canopy and enter the Center through the doors underneath the canopy. 

Registration

• Physician's Orders with diagnosis
• Photo identification
• List of allergies
• List of all medications with dosages, including over-the-counter medications Insurance information
• A parent or guardian must accompany patients under 18.  

Night Before Surgery

If there is a change in your arrival time, someone from the Ambulatory Surgery Center will notify you--otherwise, arrive at the time you were given during pre-admission. Please note that this is your arrival time, not your surgery time.  

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.  This includes gum, hard candies, mints, water, coffee, juice, etc.  For your own safety, if you do eat or drink anything after midnight, there is the likelihood that your surgery will be cancelled.  

Please arrange to have someone drive you to and from the hospital on the day of your surgery. This person will be contacted when you are ready to leave. He or she must be available anytime during the day so you can be picked up as soon as you are ready to go home. For your safety and the safety of others, we must insist that you do not drive yourself after anesthesia.

Please leave all valuables at home and dress comfortably in warm, loose-fitting clothing.  Since your hospital stay will be brief, bring as little as possible. A bathrobe, slippers and hospital gown will be provided.

Please do not wear makeup or nail polish on the day of your surgery. The natural color of your skin and fingernails gives the anesthesiologist valuable information about your condition. 

Day of Surgery

If an emergency arises and your surgery is delayed, we will notify you at once. On the morning of your surgery, please arrive at the Ambulatory Surgery Center on time to provide our staff with adequate time to prepare you for surgery. Scheduled surgical patients are admitted in the day surgery waiting area and should report to the receptionist. The receptionist will notify the day surgery nurse when a patient arrives.

The patient will be called into the ASC to answer a few questions. After you check in, a nurse will take your temperature and blood pressure, help you get properly dressed for surgery, and administer any necessary medications. Generally, the patient remains with family until called to go to the operating room (OR) holding area.

The physician may wish to speak with the family after surgery. For that reason, we request a telephone number where a family member can be reached. Family members have the option of remaining in the waiting area.  

After surgery, you will be transferred to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) where you will be observed under the direction of the anesthesiologist until you awake. In this area, patients are closely monitored and medicated for any pain they may have.  

If an overnight stay is necessary, the patient will be transferred directly from the PACU to a room and the nurse will provide the family with the room number.

When the patient meets specific post-operative criteria, he or she will be returned to the day surgery unit. Family members will be able to visit with the patient but may be encouraged to wait in the waiting area if the patient needs to rest. The day surgery nurse will let family members know when the patient is ready to go home. When the patient is ready to go home, the staff will telephone the designated person. 

After Surgery

Understanding treatment and follow-up care is vital to the healing process. After discharge from the Ambulatory Surgery Center, be sure to follow the physician’s instructions regarding postoperative care for your specific condition. Eat lightly, get plenty of rest and take any prescribed medications. For 24 hours after discharge (or longer if your physician advises), you should refrain from driving, using power tools, making important decisions, exercising vigorously, smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.

Our goal is to make your experience as simple and pleasant as possible. Your comfort and security are our main concern. An ASC staff member will call to check on your progress within seven to ten days of your surgery. If you have any questions or experience any problems after discharge, do not hesitate to call your physician. In case of emergency, call 911 and/or come to the Emergency Department.