Pre-operative Preparation

Schedule a physical with your primary physician. This must be done within 30 days of your procedure.
You will receive a phone call from our pre-surgical nurse a week prior to your procedure to review your health history, medications, and go through preparation instructions. You can reach the pre-surgical nurses at 218-822-2425 or 218-822-2426.
If your surgeon ordered postoperative physical or occupational therapy, please schedule your appointment prior to your procedure.
Arrange for a responsible adult to transport you to and from your surgery and stay with you for 24 hours.
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight before your surgery. This includes chewing gum, mints, or hard candy. Your pre-surgical nurse will give you instructions if you are able to have clear liquids prior to surgery.
Your pre-surgical nurse will review which medications to hold and when to stop them. They will also instruct you on which medications to take the morning of your surgery.
Please do not shave the surgical area for 48 hours prior to surgery.

We require at least one parent or legal guardian to remain in the facility for the duration of your child’s stay.
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight before your surgery. This includes chewing gum, mints, or hard candy. Infants may have breastmilk up until 4 hours before surgery. Infants may have formula up until 6 hours before surgery.
Please bring any comfort items your child prefers.
Please make arrangements for siblings, so they do not become disruptive and the focus can be on the child having surgery.

Register for your preoperative class 218-454-8469 or click to contact us.
Begin your pre-operative exercises as shown in your guidebook.
Choose your coach.
Stop Smoking.
Maintain or achieve a healthy weight.
Schedule your preoperative physical and any needed lab work.
Prepare your home- adjust furniture to clear walking paths and remove all throw rugs. Have a comfortable, supportive chair for after surgery.

Day of Procedure

You MUST have a responsible adult, 18 years of age or older, to accompany you home after your procedure. You may also be required to have someone stay with you for 24 hours after surgery. This is an anesthesia requirement, and if you do not have someone to accompany you, your procedure will be rescheduled.
Drivers/Caregivers may receive updates via text message throughout your visit on your location in the facility.
Patients under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian that will remain in the facility for the duration of their stay.

Loose, comfortable clothing. Please consider clothing that will fit over dressings, casts, splints and surgical boots if applicable.
Pants with an elastic waistband, no jeans.
Short sleeved shirt to allow IV access and blood pressure monitoring.
You may be asked to undress and change into a gown for your procedure.

Bring your insurance cards, a copy of your driver’s license or photo ID, and any copayment required by your insurance company.
Bring a copy of your Advanced Directive if you have one.
Leave all jewelry, valuables and large amounts of money at home.
Remove any piercings prior to arriving at the surgery center.
Makeup must be removed prior to your procedure.
Do not wear contact lenses. Bring a case for your glasses.
If you have sleep apnea, please bring your C-Pap machine.
Personal electronic devices may be used in the waiting area, but are prohibited in patient care areas to protect patient privacy.
Bring your wheeled walker if having total knee or hip replacement surgery.

For information regarding Advance Directives, please contact your healthcare provider or follow the link below.

https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/regulation/infobulletins/advdir.html

Please let the nurse know if there is any chance of pregnancy. All patients who have a regular menstrual cycle will be required to have a urine pregnancy test prior to receiving anesthesia.

Postoperative Care

The number of hours you are in the surgery center varies based on procedure. Most patients are here for 30 minutes to 2 hours after surgery, however pain, nausea and prolonged sedation may extend your stay.

Your nurse will review instructions with you and your caregiver prior to your discharge. You will be instructed on surgical site care, when to resume medications, any new prescriptions and any restrictions ordered by your surgeon.

Most patients may resume a normal diet after their procedure. Your nurse will instruct you of any exceptions.

Prepare yourself to experience some amount of discomfort after your procedure.
Take pain medicine when needed. Pain levels are harder to treat if you let them get too high.
As your recovery progresses, you can begin to lengthen the time between doses of pain medication.
Gradually wean to over the counter pain medicine such as Tylenol.
It is important to incorporate alternatives to pain medications as well. Ice, elevation, distraction and relaxation are a few examples.
Contact your surgeon if you are unable to achieve a tolerable pain level.

After receiving anesthesia, you need someone to be with you at the time of your discharge, escort you home, and be with you for 24 hours.
You should not attempt to drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, or make important decisions for 24 hours or while taking prescription pain medications.
You should not be responsible for the care of others including children.
You should go directly home and spend the rest of the day and evening resting.

Your follow up appointment will be scheduled prior to your discharge home.

If you are sent home with any stitches, staples or drains in place, your nurse will tell you when and where these will be removed.