Patients of Effingham Ambulatory Surgery Center

If you will be a patient of the Effingham Ambulatory Surgery Center, know that you are in good hands and that we are here to help you through your surgery.  Please see the links at the right for valuable information. All of this information can also be found in your surgery folder.

Instructions for the Patient Receiving Anesthesia      [top]

Please understand if you do not follow these instructions, your surgery may be delayed or you may compromise your safety.

DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AS STATED BY YOUR DOCTOR.


You will be given an intravenous (IV) line for fluids and medications.

If you develop a productive cough, fever/chills, or flu with vomiting call your doctor's office.

Anesthesia

Anesthesia is medication to keep you from feeling pain during your surgery. If your surgery is minor, you may need only local anesthesia to numb the surgery site. For other surgeries, the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will ask about your medical history and explain your anesthesia which may include:


Before Surgery      [top]


Weeks or Days Before Your Surgery
The doctor who will do your surgery or your family doctor will do an exam and ask you questions about your health. Please tell your doctor if you take any medications, vitamins, herbal preparations, diet pills, or supplements. This will include inhalers, insulin and over the counter medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Ask if you should stop taking them before or after sugery.
A nurse from the Surgery Center will call you a few days before your procedure to complete your pre-op interview and give you instructions for surgery. A nurse will explain what will happen the day of surgery, complete a health questionnaire with you, and discuss plans for when you go home after your surgery. On the day of your procedure, please bring your surgery folder you received from the doctor's office and any medical test results you may have, (i.e. lab work or EKG). Please also inform the nurse if you have a latex allergy.
You will also be instructed about when to stop eating or drinking - it is very important to follow these instructions.
You will also complete the registration process, therefore please bring your insurance card or Medicare card, and a photo ID.
If you are unable to keep your appointment for your surgery, please let your doctor know as soon as possible. Also notify your doctor if you get a cold, fever, sore throat, diarrhea, or other health problems. You may have to have your surgery postponed.
Preparing For Surgery
  • If you are coming from out of town, please refer to the map in the surgery folder or on the Contact Us page of this website to become familiar with the directions to the center. Please arrive on time.
  • If you smoke, smoke less or stop smoking until after surgery. Do not smoke the day of surgery.
  • Shower and shampoo your hair the day of surgery.
  • Arrange to have an adult drive you home after surgery.
  • Maintain NPO (Nothing by Mouth) as instructed. This includes water, chewing tobacco, and gum. You can brush your teeth or rinse your mouth, but don't swallow any water. If you eat or drink, your surgery may be cancelled.
  • Please leave all valuables including credit cards, and large sums of money at home. The center will not assume responsibility for lost valuables.
  • If you will be using crutches or any other special equipment after surgery, please bring the items with you.
  • Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes. Do not wear makeup, hairspray, perfume, or lotion on your body. Bring a container for your contact lenses or eyeglasses. You may be requested to remove your contact lenses.
  • Please wear your hearing aid if you use one.
  • Do not wear nail polish or artificial nails if you are having hand surgery. No toenail polish if you are having foot surgery.
  • Do not wear jewelry (including rings). Remove any body jewelry. This includes jewelry of body piercing, tongue rings and/or plugs. Removing all jewelry is for your safety.
  • You will change into a gown. You may be asked to remove contact lenses, hearing aids, or dentures. You will be given a band with your name and ID Number to wear on your wrist.
  • Please remember to bring the surgery folder, any test results you may have, and your insurance information.
  • A nurse is available for your pre-operative visit Monday thru Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm. Please feel free to call with any questions or concerns. (217-342-1234 or 1-800-742-5891).

The Day of Surgery      [top]

Please refer to the Preparing for Surgery section for instructions.

You may download a copy of the Medication Reconciliation Form and bring it to the Surgery Center on the day of your surgery. This will eliminate having to fill out the form on the day of surgery.

You will be admitted to the pre-op area and then when you are ready for surgery, you will walk or ride in the pre-op chair to the operating room. Your family may join you in the pre-op area while you are waiting to go into surgery.

During Surgery
  • Monitors are placed on your body to show your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate.
  • Anesthesia will begin.
  • You will be covered with sterile drapes. The nurse will give you a warm blanket if you are cold.
  • You may notice noise and activity. Music may be played.
  • You may notice bright lights or dim lights if a video screen is used.

After Surgery      [top]

You will be taken to the post anesthesia care until (PACU) or recovery room. You will be in a recliner or on a stretcher. As your anesthesia wears off you may have blurry vision, a dry mouth and chills. Your vital signs are watched closely. If you have pain, you will be given pain medication. You will be given something to drink and a light snack. Your care will be under the direction and orders of your doctor.

Going Home
  • You must have an adult available to drive you home. Even following minor surgery you may feel weak, drowsy, and a little sick to your stomach. Plan to rest or relax for the next 24 hours.
  • You may have some hoarseness and/or a sore throat if you have had general anesthesia.
  • A responsible adult needs to stay with you for 24 hours.
  • A nurse will go over your instructions for home:
    • Your next doctor's appointment
    • Medications: Take pain medication at regular times as directed. Do not wait until the pain gets bad to take the medicine. If the medicine does not relieve your pain or if pain gets worse, call your doctor. Pain medicine may upset your stomach. Taking them with a little food may help. Finish all antibiotics as prescribed.
  • For at least 24 hours, do not drive, use machines or power tools, or drink alcohol. Do not sign important papers or make big decisions.
  • Keep your dressing clean and dry. You will have instructions from your doctor when to remove the dressing.
  • You may not feel like eating much. Try to avoid fatty, rich, or spicy foods at first.
  • Always follow your doctor's orders.

Patient Bill of Rights      [top]

You can obtain a copy of your patient bill of rights here. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, please click here to download.