Below is a list of questions or concerns, expressed by patients prior to their surgeries. If you a more specific response is needed, please refer to "Ask A Doctor" page.

Should I quit smoking (Tobacco use) prior to my surgery?
It is recommended that you quit smoking at least two weeks prior to your surgery and thereafter. Quitting smoking will help increase the healing time of tissues and decrease the rate of some complications.

Why should I be admitted at least a day prior to my surgery?
The doctor will take a thorough history and perform a complete physical examination, order some laboratory tests and Imaging. We will be also following your vital signs to optimize your physical wellbeing thus decreasing the rate of preventable complications.

Who will be performing the surgery?
Surgery most often involves a team of physicians, consisting of "Specialists" and "Resident" surgeons. Specialists surgeons have many years of surgery and are recognized as some of the best surgeons in the world. "Resident Surgeons" are also trained physicians and are learning to be surgeons by assisting the "Specialist Surgeons."

Will I see my surgeon before surgery begins?
Your surgeon will be preparing for your case, while you also are preparing. Your preparation consists of having your history reviewed by a registered nurse, getting properly dressed, having an IV (intravenous line) inserted, and with meeting your anesthesiologist.
If you have additional concerns not addressed in your evaluation, your nurse will call your surgeon to address your concerns.

Will my family accompany me to the operating room?
The perioperative area, which includes the Day Case Unit, the Operating Room and the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (Recovery Room), are restricted patient care areas. One visitor will be allowed to accompany you to the Day Case Unit. No visitors are allowed in the Operating Room. With the exception of parents of children, no visitors are allowed in the Recovery Room.
If the patient is eighteen years or younger, both parents may accompany their child to the Day Case Unit and to the Recovery Room. When the anesthesiologist puts your child asleep, it is often possible for the parents to be present to decrease the anxiety of the child.

Where will I store my belongings?
Valuables should be left at home or given to an accompanying family member. Upon arrival to the Day Case Unit, your personal belongings and clothes will be given to your family.
If no family is available, any personal belongings and clothes, will be sent to the Recovery Room, waiting your arrival there.

Do I have to take my dentures out?
Dentures are removed for your safety. Damage can occur to dentures from some oral surgical procedures and from airway management by the anesthesiologist. Dentures can also become dislodged during management of your airway by the anesthesiologist and interfere with your breathing.
Arrangements can be made to remove them after your family has left, and to receive them in the Recovery Room prior to seeing your family again.

How long will my surgery take?
The surgeon can estimate the time required to perform the surgery, but it can be long or short depending on the difficulty of the operation and the complications that may occur during the operation.

How long will I be in the recovery room?
This varies depending upon your previous medical health, type of anesthesia, and pain management.
The Registered Nurse taking care of you in the Recovery Room contact your family in the waiting area to let them know that you are in the Recovery Room.
Your anesthesiologist can provide an approximate time, also.
The waiting area staff can assist the family with inquiries as to your progress in the Operating or Recovery Room.

How many visitors can I bring with me on the day of surgery?
Our waiting area has very limited seating, therefore hospital policy restricts each surgical patient to only two visitors. Should you bring more, please understand that it will be necessary for your additional guests to wait in the lobby or the cafeteria.

May I bring my children to the area?
Children under the age of twelve are not permitted, by hospital policy, in the Day Case Unit or the Recovery Room due to infection control issues.

Why do I have to take off my underwear?
Underwear can become displaced during a surgical procedure, the use of surgical soaps and antiseptic will stain your underwear. Moreover, postoperatively you may need to use a bedpan or be catheterized, a process which can be very difficult if impeded by underwear.
Our staff will provide you with a hospital gown and blankets to ensure your privacy.

Why do I have to take off my wedding ring and jewelry?
Your surgeon will be using an electric device known as (cautry). You can potentially receive an electric burn through your metal jewelry, if it becomes a part of the electrical circuit.
Rings and jewelry can become tight during surgery as a result of normal swelling. Your rings would then need to be cut off so as not to cause injury to your fingers.

Why is it necessary for someone to be with me when I am discharged?
It is a hospital policy that you are discharged from the hospital with a responsible adult. You will have received medications that cause sedation and impair your judgment. Being discharged with a responsible adult will prevent unnecessarily placing others and yourself at risk.
We ask that you do not drive, operate machinery or make important business decisions for 24 hours.

When will I meet my Anesthesiologist?
The vast majority of patients first meet their Anesthesiologist in the preoperative room prior to entering the operative room. All special concerns such as the type of anesthesia, Recovery Room pain management and allergies can be discussed at this time.