What to Expect for Your Surgery at Palos Hospital

Day of Surgery

What to Expect for Your Surgery at Palos Hospital

Before you come to Palos Hospital, follow these guidelines:

  • Do not eat or drink, as instructed by the Pre-anesthesia Screening nurse or your surgeon. This includes gum, candy and mints.
  • Leave all valuables at home.
  • Bring a list of your current prescription and non-prescription medications, including dosage strength and times taken.
  • Remove all jewelry and leave it at home.
  • Remove all makeup.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
  • Make sure your ride home is available.

Arrival and Registration

Be sure to arrive at Palos Hospital at the time you were given. It is important for you to arrive on time so your care team can get you ready for surgery. On-site preparation includes:

  • Registration on the day of the procedure
  • Review of your medical information
  • Blood work
  • Testing
  • Giving you any medications that may be needed before surgery

Enter through the Main Hospital Entrance (North). Check in at the surgical reception desk. You will be asked to verify insurance information and sign authorization for treatment. You will need to bring certain documents with you:

For children under age 18, a parent or guardian must be present to complete paperwork and accompany them on the day of surgery. Please do not leave the building during your child’s procedure unless another parent or guardian is available.

Once registration is complete, you will be directed to the Outpatient Surgery waiting room. A perioperative nurse will greet you and escort you to the pre-operative holding area.

Preparing for Your Surgery

In the pre-operative area, the care team will conduct a pre-operative evaluation and prepare you for surgery. For your safety, you may be asked to confirm the same information by several different care team members:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Medical history
  • Symptoms
  • The procedure you are having

Your surgical team will include highly skilled, specially trained individuals. Your surgeon leads team members including:

  • Registered nurses
  • Certified technologists
  • Anesthesiologists
  • A surgical assistant (in some cases)

On the day of surgery, you will meet with your anesthesiologist to discuss which type of anesthesia is best suited for your individual needs.