BEFORE SURGERY

A staff member from the Admitting Department (718-567-1201) will contact you prior to surgery for pre-admission instructions and arrival time.

IF YOU WILL HAVE SEDATION OR GENERAL ANESTHESIA:

YOU MUST MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE SOMEONE TAKE YOU HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL & YOU MUST HAVE SOMEONE WITH YOU FOR 24 HOURS AFTER SURGERY. IF YOUR CHILD IS THE PATIENT, HAVE SOMEONE ELSE DRIVE YOU AND YOUR CHILD HOME. Patients are responsible to make their own transportation arrangement.

PREPARATION FOR SURGERY

DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING - AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY.

(Including water, mints, chewing gum, or chewing tobacco) Teeth may be brushed but DO NOT swallow any water.  Refrain from smoking after midnight the night before surgery.  Take a bath or shower the morning of surgery to minimize the chance of infection.

Leave jewelry, contact lens and other valuables at home.  Wear comfortable loose clothing and closed shoes or sneakers.  During surgery you will wear a patient gown provided by the Surgical Services.  Makeup and nail polish must be removed before surgery.  If you wear dentures, a partial plate, or any other prosthesis you may be asked to remove them. They will be kept securely in your locker until you return from surgery. Remove all body piercing metals.

Take the following medication with a small sip of water on the day of the surgery/procedure before coming to the Surgical Services:

(a)    Medication for a heart condition;

(b)    Medication for control of elevated blood pressure; and/or Medication for a seizure disorder and use your inhalers.

(c)    DO NOT TAKE DIABETIC MEDICATION - but bring it with you, as well as any inhalers you use. 

(d)    PLEASE HAVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AVAILABLE: MEDICATIONS including doses, ALLERGIES, MEDICAL HISTORY, AND SURGICAL HISTORY.

(e)    Ask your Medical Doctor about stopping ASPIRIN, PLAVIX & COUMADIN before surgery.

Bring a list of your medications with you the day of surgery to review with the nurse in the pre-op area.

IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU ARE PREGNANT, please notify your physician.  Anesthesia and medications may be harmful to the developing fetus.  

If you experience any health changes between your most recent visit to your surgeon and the day of surgery, notify your physician.  Please report even minor changes, such as an elevated temperature, cough or cold.   If you find that you are unable to keep your appointment or that you will be late, please notify the Admitting Department at 718-567-1201 or scheduling desk at (718) 567-2513 & 2514 or you may call your Doctor’s office.

PRETESTING

The Admitting Office will contact you to schedule an appointment for Pre- Admission Testing.

Follow your surgeon’s orders for necessary blood tests, an Electrocardiogram (EKG) or a chest X-ray.

If your blood tests, EKG & X-RAY will be done by another facility, please inform them that TEST RESULTS must be faxed to (718) 567-1769 at least 72 hours before surgery or call (718) 567-1813. 

INSURANCE AND BILLING

Bring completed insurance and Medicare forms, as well as your insurance cards and medical information.  Please check with your insurance company for pre-admission requirements such as second opinions, pre-admission certification and/or referrals. This will facilitate the admitting process.

Uninsured and/or cash patients will be required to pay for services on or before their admission date. 

Victory Memorial Hospital will bill your insurance company as a courtesy.  However, the balance due is the patient’s responsibility and payment will be required from you unless your insurance company pays within 60 days.

AFTER SURGERY

Follow any specific home care instructions you receive after your surgery.  If applicable, bring crutches.

The medical staff will discharge you when they are assured you are in stable condition.  However, you could still feel sleepy, slightly dizzy, or nauseated.  These are possible (and normal) side effects of anesthesia and can last for 12-24 hours.

YOU MUST HAVE A RESPONSIBLE ADULT TO ACCOMPANY YOU UPON DISCHARGE.

WAIT AT LEAST 24 HOURS AFTER YOU ARRIVE HOME BEFORE YOU: 

            •   Drive and operate any equipment

            •   Sign any important papers or make any important decisions

•   Drink any alcoholic beverages (do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking medications)

•   Take any medicine not prescribed or acknowledged by your physician

ANY PROBLEMS THAT OCCUR AFTER YOU ARRIVE HOME should be directed to your doctor’s office or proceed to the nearest emergency room.