Preparing for a Procedure at the Surgery Center

Prior to Your Surgery
You will be required to have a complete history and physical, a comprehensive evaluation of your health from past to present, by your primary care physician. Depending on the type of surgical procedure you are having, you may also need blood work and an electrocardiogram (EKG) in addition to the history and physical. Your surgeon will inform you which additional tests may be necessary.

Certain medications can interfere with your body's ability to stop bleeding. Therefore, patients scheduled for surgery should check with their doctor regarding which medications to take before surgery.

The Day of Surgery
When you arrive at the Surgery Center on the day of your surgery, you will need to register at patient registration located on the 1st floor. Family members and friends are asked to wait on the 4th floor. There is a lounge with a television and light refreshments to make their wait more comfortable.

After you have registered, you will be brought to the 4th floor where you will wait to be called for surgery. You will then be escorted to the 5th floor pre-operative area. Once you are in the pre-op waiting area, you will given a hospital gown and asked to change. You will be provided bags for your clothes and personal items which will be locked up for the duration of your procedure.

A nurse will then check your blood pressure, temperature, heart rate and breathing. After your vital signs are taken, a nurse may insert an IV. After your IV is in place, the doctors and nurses will ask you a few questions. You will have the opportunity to speak to both your surgeon and anesthesiologist before the surgery begins.

After you speak with the doctors and nurses, you will be taken from the pre-op waiting area to the operating/procedure room.

After your surgery is completed, you will be transferred to the recovery room where you will be monitored by a nurse while your anesthesia wears off and you “wake up.”

Once you are alert and able to sit in a chair, you will be given a snack. A member of the staff will review your discharge instructions with you. You will also receive a written copy of these instructions. Following the review of your instructions, your IV will be removed and you will be able to change into your clothes. Once you are dressed, your family member or friend will be asked to pull their car to the front of the Surgery Center. You will be escorted to the waiting car and discharged to the care of your family or friend.

Important Checklist for Patients

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure. This includes but is not limited to candy, gum, mints, etc.
• Check with your surgeon about taking your usual morning medications. If permitted, you may take them with a sip of water.
• Do not wear any jewelry or bring any valuables with you.
• Remove ALL piercings.
• Bring your insurance cards and any copays or referrals if necessary.
• Make sure you have a responsible adult to accompany you to and from the surgery center.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Surgery Center at 215-893-7020.

	Need an appointment? Request one online 24 hours/day, 7 days/week or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a referral counselor.