Dallas Surgical Center
Preparing For Surgery at University General Hospital Dallas, Texas
If you are scheduled for surgery at a University General Hospital Dallas surgical center, follow the instructions provided below:
The Night before surgery:
- Do not eat or drink anything including water, chewing gum and mints after midnight, prior to day of surgery. Undigested food in your stomach can cause complications and your surgery is likely to be postponed for your own safety if you forget to follow these instructions. Do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours before surgery.
- Medications for blood pressure, heart conditions, seizures, asthma or emphysema may be taken with a small sip of water at their usual prescribed times. If you use an inhaler, please bring it with you. Please bring any prescription or herbal supplements you are currently taking on a regular basis to the hospital in their original containers or bring a complete list of medication names and doses. If you are taking medicines for diabetes, nervous disorders, seizures, or blood thinners such as aspirin or coumadin, please tell your surgeon and pre-op nurse prior to the day of surgery. They will give you additional instructions for these medications.
- If you use a CPAP at home, please bring it with you to the hospital.
- Bathe or shower and brush your teeth (taking care not to swallow any water) the morning of your surgery. This will assist you in feeling refreshed as well as minimize the chance of infection.
- Do not wear mascara, makeup, lotion or jewelry. If you wear contact lenses or glasses, bring a case for their safe keeping. For your safety, ALL piercings must be removed before the arrival to the hospital. This includes earrings, brow, lips, etc.
- Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing that is large enough to accommodate a large bandage after surgery if needed. Wear comfortable slip-on shoes, no high heels, please.
- Leave all valuables, including cash and jewelry at home. We are not responsible for damaged or lost property.
- Please arrive at the time given to you. This allows ample time to prepare you for your procedure. Your family/friend will be asked to wait in the waiting room. A member of the staff will provide them with routine updates regarding your status.
Preparing for Surgery: Your surgeon will review the details of your surgery and give you detailed pre-operative instructions. This should include information about what medications and/or herbal supplements should or should not be taken prior to surgery. Please call 214-623-4400 and ask to speak to a nurse regarding your pre-operative assessment.
Financial Obligations: An estimate of your financial obligation will be provided to you. Please bring your insurance or Medicare card, a copy of your Advanced Health Care Directive (AHCD) and any payment required on the day of surgery. If you do not have an AHCD, the admissions team will provide you with information regarding this important medical document.
When you arrive at the hospital or surgical center: Please check in at the admitting desk two hours prior to your scheduled surgery time. The admitting clerk will review your admission packet with you and then take you to meet your nurse, who will prepare you for surgery. In addition, you will meet with your anesthesiologist and surgeon. On occasion, surgery times may change. Please make sure we have the correct phone numbers to contact you the day of surgery, as we may need you to arrive at a different time.
Special Precautions: Contact your surgeon or the hospital immediately if you experience any change in your health. Even a minor elevation in your temperature, a cold, or cough should be reported. If you are a woman of childbearing age and suspect you may be pregnant, please notify your surgeon, as anesthesia and medications may be harmful to your developing fetus. If you normally take medications during the fasting period, check with your surgeon to see if you should take them the night before or morning of your surgery.
After Surgery: A nurse from University General Hospital Dallas will call you at home after the procedure to check on your recovery.
For your well-being, we recommend that you wait at least 24 hours after a surgical procedure before you:
- Drive or use power equipment
- Eat a heavy meal
- Consume alcoholic beverages
- Take medication not approved by your physician
- Sign important papers or make important decision
- Stay by yourself
Any concerns following your procedure should be reported to your physician’s office.
Call our Dallas surgical center to confirm or with questions: 214-623-4400