Important Note Regarding Appointment Availability - Click Here
Going in for surgery can be really overwhelming when you don't know what to expect. Learning about the process and getting all your questions answered makes you feel less nervous and more confident. Our care team at Far North Surgery helps making your stay comfortable by providing a caring and relaxing atmosphere.
There are many things you should keep in mind before going in for surgery. Review this checklist that will help you better prepare for your surgery:
Once you arrive at our surgery center, check in at our registration desk where your personal, insurance and escort information are verified. You should have your ID and insurance card during the admission. After checking in, you will be escorted to the pre-op area where our staff will provide you an ID bracelet, hospital clothing and will explain what to expect in the surgery room.
The nurse will record your vital signs and will prepare you for the surgery. The anesthesiologist will discuss the anesthesia options and will help you decide the best option for you. You will be asked to sign an anesthesia consent form. Your surgeon will visit you for any final questions and evaluations. Intravenous fluids are started, and medicines are given, if required.
Once you are in the operating room, monitoring devices such as EKG, blood pressure cuff and other devices are attached for your safety. Your anesthesiologist will remain with you throughout the surgical procedure. Depending on your surgery, other members of the care team such as nurses, nurse practitioners, surgical residents, and surgical assistants will be present.
It's essential to get answers to any questions you may have before your surgery. We have compiled the following frequently asked questions:
You should not wear any makeup during your surgery. When you are under anesthesia, you don't have a blink reflex. Small particles of your makeup products (especially mascara) can cause injury to your eyes. Also, hair products, makeup, and nail polish are flammable, so you should not wear them during your surgery.
Vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate are constantly monitored by your anesthesiologist and nursing staff. If they notice any changes in your vital signs that indicate a danger, they will take appropriate steps to correct it.
Yes, an IV (intravenous catheter) is placed before the surgery so that fluids and medications can be delivered safely and quickly through your vein. It is usually inserted while in the preoperative area by your anesthesiologist and nursing staff.
Depending on the type or length of the surgical procedure, your surgeon or anesthesiologist may insert a Foley catheter for your safety. It is placed after you are given anesthesia, so you won't feel it. The amount of urine that passes through the catheter is measured during the surgery and indicates the state of your health.
Your anesthesiologist can prescribe you some medications to calm you. However, these medications are given after you have signed your consent form and consulted your surgeon.
As you do not wear your usual clothes, you will feel cold in the operating room. Your surgical team wears full-length gowns, gloves and masks and they move around and work hard during your operation. Should they perspire, it would be a risk to you.
Your surgical team maintains a sterile field during your surgical procedure. They will wear a mask over their mouth and nose, some may wear a full hood that covers their head, many will wear a sterile gown and sterile gloves. Disposable supplies are sterilized by the manufacturer while reusable instruments are sterilized before each use.
If any sterile item comes in contact with an item that is not sterilized and anyone in your surgical team notices this, they will inform the others immediately; it is called surgical conscience. That item is then removed from the sterile field, re-sterilized or replaced, if needed.
Contact us at 907-276-3676 or fill our form to schedule an appointment.
