FAQs

Pre-operative tests will be communicated to you prior to the day of your surgery.

Yes. You may receive up to three calls from a Registered Nurse. This call will include a routine health assessment, instructions for the day of surgery, and answers to any questions you may have. The anesthesiologist may call you the night before to obtain your medical history and to go over any additional instructions related to your surgery. Please make sure Bend Surgery Center has an accurate phone number to assure contact on the day before and the day of surgery.

• Bring insurance identification cards, driver’s license, and estimated deposit (if applicable)
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
• Leave all jewelry and valuables at home
• Bring a case for eyeglasses or contacts
• Any special needs equipment such as walkers, post-op crutches, hearing aids, etc.

We require that all patients have a ride home. Patients will not be allowed to drive, walk or take public transportation after a procedure. Arrange in advance for a responsible adult to pick you up at the center, to drive you home.

• Adults may have no solid food after midnight the day before surgery. You may drink *clear liquids up to 4 hours prior to surgery.
• Infants may have formula up to 6 hours before surgery, breast milk up to 4 hours before surgery and clear liquids up to 3 hours before surgery.
• Children may not have any food after midnight the day before surgery. They may have *clear liquids only up to 3 hours before their procedure. Clear liquids include Jell-O without fruit, and any liquid you can see through.

Your physician or pre-operative nurse will inform you of specific eating and drinking restrictions prior to your procedure. It is very important that you follow the provided instructions. If you do not, your procedure may be delayed or cancelled.

We generally request that you take your medication before leaving home. Blood pressure and diabetic medications will be individualized. We will usually hold diabetic medicines and manage your blood sugar at the Bend Surgery Center. You should be contacted before your surgery, leaving no doubts in your mind as to which medications you should take.

People using inhalers must bring them on the day of surgery.

Contact your physician to get specific instructions regarding your medications.

We realize that surgery can be frightening for you and your child. If your child would like to have a stuffed animal or security blanket for added comfort, feel free to bring these items on the day of surgery. Parents/guardians are able to stay with their child until surgery. Parents/guardians are able to rejoin their child as soon as they have safely awakened from the anesthesia. We recommend that one adult drives while another cares for the child.

When you arrive at the facility, you will be checked in by a member of our staff. The admission process is usually very quick as we have obtained most of your information prior to your arrival. This final check allows us to verify all of your key information so we can better serve you.

Please wear comfortable clothing. Button-down shirts or blouses are best. Wear comfortable shoes. Leave all jewelry at home, including body-piercing jewelry. If you wear contact lenses, you will probably have to remove them for the surgery, so consider bringing your glasses. If you have to wear your contacts, please bring contact solution and contacts case. Please do not wear any make-up as this can hide certain clinical signs. Please remove all body piercings.

A nurse will escort you to the pre-operative area. You will be provided a patient gown, non-skid socks and a bag to store your clothing and personal belongings in. We provide containers for removable dentures and bridgework.

A nurse will conduct a pre-operative assessment that will include taking your vital signs and starting an IV. The anesthesia provider will also speak with you in the pre-operative area to review all pre-operative information and discuss your anesthesia.

Your safety is our primary concern. Your entire healthcare team will follow rigorous guidelines regarding site identification and procedure confirmation. National Patient Safety Goals have been developed which require your involvement too. You will be asked numerous times to confirm both the procedure you are having and the surgical site. In most cases, your surgeon will mark the site prior to your procedure.

It is important that each patient is actively participating in their healthcare and making informed decisions about their care.

Take a shower the night before and the morning of surgery. Follow these simple steps:

1. Wash your hair first with any shampoo.
2. Wash all of your body using a liquid antibacterial soap and a clean washcloth for each shower.
3. Rinse well and remove all soap.
4. Dry your body with a clean towel.
5. Do not use lotion, cream or powder.
6. Do not shave or clip the area where the surgery will be done.
7. On the day of your procedure make sure you, your family and any other caregivers wash hands frequently.
8. Continue to wash hands frequently and be sure you follow instructions provided by your healthcare team regarding the care and cleaning of your surgical site.

Your physician will see you in the preoperative room prior to your scheduled procedure to ensure you have no further questions or concerns. At this time, they will complete a final assessment to clear you for surgery.

At Bend Surgery Center, we work hard to meet the special needs of children and create a relaxed and comfortable environment. Children can bring their favorite soft toy or blanket. We also encourage parents to discuss the surgery beforehand to help alleviate stress.

Please arrive one hour before your scheduled procedure unless instructed otherwise.

It is very important for us to be aware of this possibility. Only essential surgery is done on pregnant patients. If there is any doubt, please contact us immediately. Every female patient of childbearing years will have a pregnancy test or be asked to sign a waiver.

No. We advise against smoking on the day of your procedure. Smoking may interfere with the anesthesia and frequently produces nausea during the recovery period.

Occasionally patients are admitted to the hospital or transitional care facility after surgery. In certain circumstances, your physician or anesthesiologist may determine that you need to be transferred for additional post-operative care.

It is not unusual to feel a little sleepy, lightheaded or dizzy for several hours after your surgery. Do not sign any important papers or make any significant decisions for at least 24 hours. Do not drive after your procedure.

If you have any questions or problems after surgery, please contact your physician.

After you have returned home, be sure to follow your doctor’s orders regarding diet, rest, medication and activity.

It is important to carefully follow the discharge instructions provided by your doctor and Bend Surgery Center.

The management of your pain is of great importance to us. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission until you receive our postoperative call at home.

It is essential that we are able to assess your pain level during your stay. The Pre-Op nurse will inform you of the scale we use in ranking pain.

Before you leave Bend Surgery Center you will be given written instructions for your care at home. We do require a responsible adult to remain with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.

Arrange in advance for a responsible adult to pick you up at Bend Surgery Center, drive you home and remain with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. You cannot drive yourself or be left alone. You may take a taxi if you have your responsible adult with you.

The amount of recovery time varies from patient to patient. After your procedure, a nurse will monitor your vital signs and make sure you are alert and stable. You will be sent home as soon as your healthcare team feel it is safe to discharge you from the facility.

Prior to your departure from our facility your medication list will be reviewed by your physician and specific instructions on when and how to resume your medications will be provided.