Same Day Surgery

Outpatient Surgical Procedures

To learn more about Same Day Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital, call (815) 740-7013.

Hundreds of surgeries, which once required a hospital stay, are now being done on an outpatient basis. The Department of Surgical Services at Silver Cross Hospital offers state-of-the-art surgical suites and equipment, resulting in shorter stays and less recuperation time for the patient.

It is important for you to understand what will take place when you come to Same Day Surgery for your procedure. Following are some answers to any questions you may have concerning your outpatient experience.

Preparation

• Check with your surgeon to determine if you need to discontinue any medications prior to surgery.

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. Doing so could cause serious complications. Smoking and alcohol are prohibited for 24 hours before surgery. Noncompliance with these requirements could result in cancellation of your surgery.

• If you are instructed to take medications the morning of your surgery, do so with a sip of water. If you have diabetes, do not take your insulin (but bring it with you) or diabetic medications on the day of your surgery. Bring any prescribed inhalers.

• Take a bath or shower the night before or the morning of your surgery.

• Clothing & Accessories:

  Do:

  • Wear loose, simple clothing
  • Remove all jewelry, including body piercing
  • Leave all valuables at home
  • Bring with you insurance cards, eye glasses and a case and your hearing aids
  • Bring contact lenses, but do not wear them

  Don’t:

  • Wear makeup, metal hair clips, watch or jewelery
  • Use lotions, bath oils, or powder on your skin.

• If you become ill with a fever, cold or flu, you must notify your surgeon immediately. He/She will decide whether your surgery needs to be postponed.

• Review any Advanced Directives with your family, such as power of Attorney for healthcare or a Living Will. If you have these, bring copies for your chart.

The Day of Surgery

Registration will begin in the Arthur and Vera Smith Pavilion. If you do not speak or write English, please bring a translator with you to interpret. The Same Day Surgery staff will prepare you for surgery. Your vital signs will be checked and an IV may be started, along with any other special preparation ordered by your doctor.

An anesthesiologist will explain his/her role and answer any questions you may have concerning your anesthesia. You will meet other members of the surgical team before going to the operating room. The type of surgery and your response to anesthesia will determine the length of stay.

Admission to Silver Cross Hospital

It may be necessary for you to be admitted to the hospital even though you were expecting to be discharged the same day. Your doctor will determine the need for this based on your medical condition. Your safety is our primary concern.

For Family & Friends Waiting

Every effort is made to respect your needs and minimize waiting time. The following information can help you make appropriate arrangements for the day of surgery:

• Surgery patients may have two visitors
• Please refrain from bringing children under the age of 12 to the Same Day Surgery waiting area
• Visitors may use cellular phones throughout the hospital
• Snacks and beverages are available in the surgical waiting room and the cafeteria is open to visitors
• There are pagers available if you leave the area
• The surgeon will report on the patient’s condition post-operatively

Discharge Instructions

You will be given written home care instructions prior to discharge. You MUST have a responsible adult to accompany you home. You will be taken via wheelchair to meet your driver when you have met the discharge criteria for Same Day Surgery.