Phone: 479.571.7070 Fax: 479.571.7090
Surgery Overview
Surgery is a big moment in anyone’s life.
Now that you are scheduled for surgery at Physicians’ Specialty Hospital, we understand if you are feeling a bit anxious or fearful about your procedure. That’s perfectly natural. We want to make sure you know what to expect from your experience with us. The more you know about what to expect, the less fearful you will be.
We feature many prominent surgeons from Northwest Arkansas along with the very best technology and equipment. Our staff is highly professional, knowledgeable, compassionate and friendly. When we built our hospital, we designed everything to reflect our patient-centric attitude. Our patients expect the best treatment available, and that’s what we deliver.
Once you experience the difference at Physicians’ Specialty Hospital, you will understand why everything with us is a matter of excellence.
Click here to download the Welcome notice.
Preparing For Surgery
In order to ensure a smooth surgery and effective recovery, we ask that you adhere to the following instructions:
Prior To Surgery:
- Make appointments to see any physicians you use on a regular basis for any medical conditions you have. Bring letters from your physicians detailing your physical status, medical conditions and treatment plans so your anesthesia provider can factor this information into your anesthesia plan.
- There is always the possibility your surgery time could change. We will contact you the business day prior to your surgery to confirm your surgery time. Last minute changes can occur as cases are rescheduled or cancelled, so you may be called to come in a little earlier than anticipated.
- If you aren’t being admitted to the hospital, arrange for a relative or friend to drive you home.
- You must have an adult nearby for the first 24 hours following outpatient surgery.
- If you are under 18 years old, a parent or legal guardian must sign all consents. The hospital requires updated copies of legal guardianship papers. By law, we cannot proceed without the legal guardian’s signature and proper documentation.
- Do not consume alcohol 24 hours before surgery.
- Eat normally the day and evening before surgery. However, it’s very important that you don’t eat or drink anything after midnight unless you are instructed differently. Your surgery may be cancelled if you fail to adhere to this.
- Take ONLY the medication you were instructed to take by your physician and/or Pre-Admission Nurse on the morning of surgery. You may have just enough water to swallow your medications.
- Please bathe or shower the evening or morning before your surgery. This reduces the chance of infection.
- Notify your physician of any changes in your health, such as a cold, cough, fever, sore throat, or any illness before your surgery.
- Notify your physician immediately if you notice any cuts, burns, rashes, bug bites, or any infection around the area to be operated on.
Day Of Surgery:
- You may be asked to provide a urine sample the morning of surgery.
- Please leave all jewelry and valuables at home. If you haven’t already removed your jewelry and valuables, you will be asked to remove them before surgery.
- You will be asked to remove dentures, hearing aids, or contact lenses before surgery.
- Do not wear any makeup, fingernail or toenail polish.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat shoes.
- Bring any splints, slings, immobilizers or crutches you have used prior to surgery.
- Please bring a small overnight bag if you are going to be admitted to the hospital.
- Report to the Admissions Desk after you arrive at the main entrance lobby. Plan to arrive one to two hours before your procedure.
Click here to download the Preparing For Surgery notice.
Your Surgery
Pre-Op Holding Area
You will be taken to the Pre-Op bay from the waiting area. You will be asked to confirm your scheduled surgery, check your vital signs and verify allergies and any other pertinent information.
After you’re in the Pre-Op area, you will receive your gown, an ID bracelet, be asked to empty your bladder, and be given your preoperative medications. At this point you will receive your IV. The nurse may inject a small amount of numbing medicine with makes the actual IV catheter insertion painless.
Once this is finished and you are prepped for surgery, one family member may sit with you until your procedure. Before you go into surgery, a member of our Anesthesia Team will evaluate you and answer any questions you might have.
Time For Surgery
When it’s time for your surgery, and Operating Nurse (also called the “circulator”) will ask you some final questions to verify your information again. Please let the circulator know of any special needs you have.
You will then be escorted to the Operating Room and meet the surgical technicians. They prepare the instruments, ensure the area is sterile, and anticipate when the surgeon will need instruments.
The surgery staff and your Anesthesia Provider will move you to a surgery table and you might notice it’s a little cold. That’s because of the equipment, but we’ll make sure you have a blanket to keep warm. Once on the table, you will be attached to an EKG monitor that will check your vital signs throughout the procedure. At this time you will also receive oxygen.
Since most procedures require artificial ventilation, we will insert a breathing tube down your throat after you are asleep to assist with breathing. You will not feel any discomfort or pain. You may also have a urinary catheter inserted to monitor your urine output during and after surgery.
Please relax and know that you are in the best of hands. When you wake up, your surgery will be finished!
Click here to download the Your Surgery notice.
After Surgery
Once your surgery is over, you will be taken to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), also called the recovery room. Here, highly-trained nurses will constantly monitor your vital signs for any possible complications. Once you’re in the PACU, you will be attached to an EKG monitor to check your vital signs. You will also receive oxygen at this time. Tell your nurse if you feel pain or nausea at any time and you will receive medication. Parents of children may be allowed to come to the PACU at the nurse’s discretion. Because of privacy needs, only patients are allowed in the PACU.
Your stay in the PACU may be anywhere between 30 minutes to two hours and the PACU nurse will determine when you are to be discharged. If you are to go to the hospital after surgery, you will go to the Patient Care Floor at this time. If you are going home afterwards, you will be transferred to our Step-Down Recovery room. Only one adult support person is allowed in this area.
The amount of time you spend in the Step-Down Recovery Room will vary. Your discharge nurse will make sure you’re comfortable and will go over all discharge instructions with you and your family member. At this time you will also receive any prescriptions written for you by your physician. The staff will remove the IV, help you get dressed, and instruct family on any durable medical equipment you might have. You will be escorted to your vehicle by wheelchair. Remember, you will not be allowed to drive yourself home. Please arrange for transportation prior to your surgery date.
Click here to download the After Surgery notice.
Follow-Up Care and Pain Management
After Your Discharge
Once you’re home, make sure to follow the directions given to you by the nurse and your doctor. If your discharge nurse doesn’t give you a follow-up appointment time, please call your physicians’ office. You will receive a follow-up call from the PACU staff in one to three days to check on your progress.
If you feel you need immediate attention, call your physician or come immediately to the Emergency Room located at the south end of Physicians’ Specialty Hospital.
Pain Management
You can expect some degree of pain after your surgery. Ask for pain medication if you feel any discomfort. While you’re in the hospital, the nurses will ask you describe your pain level and will medicate you accordingly.
Make sure to take your pain medication as needed and take it while the pain is still manageable. If you wait too long, your pain medication may not be effective.
Click here to download the Follow-Up Care and Pain Management notice.
