Phone: (424)344-5890
Fax:      (424)344-5895

20258 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 301
Torrance, CA 90503

Surgery Preparations

HOURS OF OPERATION

Tuesdays: 5:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Saturdays: 5:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.

PRIOR TO SURGERY

All patients must arrange for a responsible adult driver (over the age of 18) to remain in the Surgery Center during the entire stay. Your driver must have a valid driver’s license. Failure to have a driver could result in delay or cancellation of your procedure; taxi cab, bus, and other forms of public transportation are only acceptable only if you have adult companion with you.

If your situation involves legal guardianship, please contact the Center prior to your procedure to prevent any delays in your procedure. Failure to provide guardianship paperwork and/or have the legal guardian present could lead to delay or cancellation of your procedure.

If you should need to cancel or reschedule your procedure, please notify your surgeon’s office to make those arrangements.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

  • DO NOT drink alcohol 24 hours prior to your procedure.
  • Stop smoking as early as possible before your procedure and for the duration of your recovery.
  • If you have Advance Directives, please let your surgeon know so that you can discuss those with him or her prior to your visit.
  • Contact your physician if: (1) you have questions about which medications you can take prior to your procedure. (2) Develop a cold, persistent cough, fever, or any other health-related concern prior to your procedure. follow your physician’s instructions. (3) Need to reschedule or cancel your procedure.

THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE

Please DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight, including: water, juice, coffee, chewing gum, or mints/ hard candy unless you have been otherwise instructed by your physician. If you must take medications prior to your arrival, take them with the smallest sip of water.
Failure to follow this instruction could lead to cancellation or postponement of your procedure.

ON DAY OF SURGERY PLEASE:

  • DO NOT wear make-up, body lotion, or nail polish.
  • DO remove all valuables (jewelry, body piercings, etc.) and leave at home.
  • DO wear glasses; if you must wear your contacts, please bring a container for your lenses.
  • DO wear loose, comfortable clothing that you can change easily and that will not bind at the site of your surgery/procedure.
  • DO take a shower or bath the morning of surgery or the night before

PLEASE BRING:

  • A responsible adult over the age of 18 with a valid driver’s license to wait at the Center while you have your procedure and drive you home.
  • A list of all medications that you are currently taking, including dosages and frequency. Please include vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies.
  • Heart and/or blood pressure medication(s) in their original labeled containers.
  • Any items issued/prescribed by your physician for your procedure, such as: crutches, immobilizer/brace, and/or ice machine. (Please leave crutches in the car; any brace, immobilizer, and/or ice machine should be brought with you into the Center.)
  • Oxygen tank, inhaler(s), or CPAP machine if you use these items.
  • Medical device identification if you have a pacemaker or defibrillator.
  • Your remote programmer if you have an implanted electrical stimulating device.

PRIOR TO SURGERY

  • When you arrive, you will be greeted by the Front Desk staff, who will register you, ensuring all of your personal information is correct.
  • You will be taken to the pre-operative area where a nurse will review your personal information, health history, and medications/allergies with you. They will also prepare you for your procedure or surgery. Your driver can come with you to the pre-op area if you wish.
  • Your physician, and possibly an anesthesiologist, will talk with you next; allowing you to ask any questions before your procedure or surgery.

AFTER SURGERY

  • After your procedure, you will rest in our recovery room under the care of our nursing staff. When you reach Phase 2 of your recovery, we will bring in your family member or friend to be with you. You may still be sleepy at this time.
  • A physician or nurse will answer your questions and provide you with detailed discharge instructions prior to leaving the Surgery Center.

LEAVING THE SURGERY CENTER

  • For most procedures you will be ready to leave the Surgery Center within 2 hours following completion of your surgery.
  • You must have a responsible adult with you to drive you home or accompany you if you plan to use a taxi service. Use of a taxi or public transport service will not be permitted without an accompanying adult.
  • DO have someone plan to stay with you through the night.
  • DO NOT drive or return to work on the day of surgery.

WHEN YOU GET HOME

  • DO follow your discharge and post-operative instructions carefully.
  • DO NOT drive or operate machinery, sign legal documents, drink alcoholic beverages, or use recreational drugs for at least 24 hours after surgery.
  • Patients often experience minor effects following anesthesia, such as drowsiness, nausea, muscle aches, a sore throat, headaches, or dizziness. These side effects decline in the hours following your procedure but may take several days before they are gone completely.
  • The majority of patients will feel up to their typical activities the next day; but remember as you go about your day to move slowly and carefully and to get plenty of rest.
  • It is common to experience constipation after surgery. The most common causes of constipation after surgery are pain medications and anesthesia.
  • Contact your physician if you have questions about what you can and cannot do, when you can return to work, and how active you may be.
  • If you experience unexpected pain, severe bleeding, or a temperature greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, have your physician paged by calling (424) 247-9090 or immediately proceed to the hospital emergency room.