Bay Area Surgical Group-Procedure

Day of Procedure

Day of Your Surgery/Procedure (Click for Details)

• Daily Medications
• Before leaving home, remember
• Arrive at the Surgical Center
• Patient Safety
• Surgical Site Marking
• Friends and Family

Daily Medications

• Take your morning pills as instructed by the pre-op nurse with just a sip of water.
• Your doctor may give you special medicine instructions.

Before leaving home, remember:

• Leave valuables at home, including: cash, credit cards, checkbooks, jewelry, items of sentimental value, or valuable items (including valuable clothing)
• All jewelry, including body jewelry, must be removed before surgery. (This includes wedding bands)
• Electronic devices, such as Laptop computers, personal music and game players, and cellular phones should also be left at home, unless your care partner can accept responsibility for their safety.
• Bring only enough money to cover any required insurance co-pays
• You may brush your teeth the day of your surgery, but do not swallow any water, toothpaste or mouthwash.
• Shower, wash and dry your hair before coming to the Surgical Center. It could be a day or longer before you can do these things again.
• Do not use hair spray, perfume, or cologne.
• Nail polish use is discouraged.
• Do not wear make-up or mascara.
• Do not wear deodorant if you are having breast or shoulder surgery.
• Bring a case to safely store: eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and dentures (partials or retainers).
• Bring eye drops, respiratory inhalers (breathing treatments) if you use them.
• You may bring reading materials.

If you are delayed for any reason on the day of surgery, call the Surgical Center.

Surgical Center is not responsible for lost items

Arrive at the Surgical Center:

Be Prompt!

On the day of surgery please arrive at the Surgical Center at the appointed time before your surgery. It is possible that your procedure time may be moved due to unforeseen cancellations or emergencies. If it is necessary to move your procedure, we will notify you as soon as possible.

Please bring the following items with you to the Surgical Center:
A list of all your medications including herbal products, vitamins, food supplements and over the counter medicines.

Include the following:

• medicine name, strength and how often you take it. If you do not have a complete list, bring the medications with you.
• All papers given to you by your doctor and the office staff.
• Insurance card (s); Money for co-pays.
• Clothes that will fit comfortably over your surgical area.
• Robe
• Loose fitting, elastic waist pants.
• Shirt
• Underwear
• Socks
• Slip on shoes
• Pacemaker card (if you have one).
• Any Advanced Directives you have (i.e. Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney). If you do not have one and would like one, it is possible to complete one at the Surgical Center when you arrive.

Back to top

Patient Safety

While you are here, you will be asked questions such as:

• What is your name?
• What is your birth date?
• What surgery are you having done?
• Do you have any allergies?

Do not be alarmed by these questions. Each member of your care team must make sure they know the answer to each of these questions so we can provide the safest care to you.

• A nurse will insert an intravenous tube (IV) into your vein. A vein in the arm is usually chosen. Through the IV tube, you will be given fluids and medicines.
• An anesthesiologist will talk to you before your surgery. This doctor may give you medicine to make you sleepy before your procedure or surgery. Tell your nurse or doctor if you or anyone in your family has had a problem with anesthesia in the past.
• You will be asked to sign a legal piece of paper (consent form). It gives your doctor permission to do the procedure or surgery. It also explains the problems that may happen, and your choices. Be sure all your questions have been answered before you sign this form.
• Nurses will ask you about open skin areas on your body, especially in the area of your surgical site. Please tell your nurse about any open sores, rashes, or current skin conditions you may have on the day of your surgery.

Surgical Site Marking

Everyone will be asked to confirm what surgery or procedure he or she is having. Most surgical procedures require a mark at the site of surgery with initials. Marking the site is required for procedures involving right or left distinction.

Friends and Family:

• Friends and family members are welcome to wait in our Day Surgery waiting room during your surgery.
• All BASM Surgical Centers are all wireless internet-enabled for those of you with Wi-Fi-enabled laptop computers.
• You may use cellular phones within the Surgical Center’s surgical waiting area, signal permitting. Some of the Surgical Center may be designated non-cellular phone use areas because of potential interference with sensitive medical equipment.
• Once your surgery is over, your doctor will meet with a designated family member or friend to update them on your condition.
• For your comfort and the comfort of other patients, we request you limit visitors to one at a time.
• Please bring quiet activities for children while in the waiting room.
• An adult must accompany children at all times.

Back to top