You have questions. At Foundation Surgical Hospital of San Antonio, we have the answers.

We know that surgery can come with many questions. Below are some of the most common concerns we are asked about, but please feel free to call if you have a question that you don’t see answered here. Your care, comfort and confidence is our utmost concern.

1. Do I need to do anything special the day or night before surgery?

The Pre-Admission Nurse will call you to discuss pre-operative instructions. They usually include the following:

  • Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight the day of your surgery. This includes ice chips, gum, and hard candy. You may brush your teeth, taking care not to swallow any water.
  • Follow your doctor’s orders regarding the taking of medications the night before or the day of surgery.
  • Refrain from smoking after midnight the day of your surgery.
  • Notify your surgeon if there is any change in your physical condition, such as cold, fever or flu symptoms.
  • If there is a chance you are pregnant, please notify your surgeon immediately.

2. Do I need to visit the hospital before my surgery date?

Your surgeon may order some preoperative testing. These tests may include blood work, EKG’s or X-rays and can be completed at our hospital. Testing should be completed 3-5 days prior to surgery. Our Pre-Admission Nurse is available from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday and may be reached at 210-478-5403. She will also call the day prior to surgery to confirm with you.

3. When should I arrive at the hospital?

Please arrive two hours prior to your surgery time.

4. Can I drive myself home?

Any patient receiving anesthesia/sedation should not drive until the next day. Patients will not be allowed to drive, walk or take public transportation after anesthesia/sedation. Your surgery will be cancelled if you do not have a ride home with a responsible adult.

5. What should I wear the day of my surgery?

Bathe or shower the morning of surgery but do not apply any makeup. Wear low heeled, comfortable shoes and loose, comfortable clothing such as t-shirts, button-down shirts, sweat pants or baggy shorts that will fit over bandages or dressings following surgery. All jewelry and valuables should be left at home.

6. Should I take my usual daily medications?

If you take medication for high blood pressure or asthma, you should take them the morning of surgery with a SMALL sip of water, unless otherwise directed by your surgeon. If you are on blood thinning medication such as aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin, Vitamin E, ibuprofen/Advil, naproxen/Aleve, or hormones please check with your surgeon regarding when to discontinue these medications. Do not take your diabetic medication unless your surgeon specifically instructs you to do so the morning of surgery.

7. What should I bring with me on the day of surgery?

  • bring eyeglasses, contacts, dentures and hearing aids, with storage cases
  • bring insurance identification cards, driver’s license/photo identification, co-payments
  • bring all medications you take on a regular basis-prescription, herbal preparations, and vitamins-in their original containers
  • children may bring a favorite toy or blanket
  • bring someone to drive you home, if you are having outpatient surgery
  • if you are staying overnight, we will provide gowns warm socks/slippers and personal hygiene items including toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and powder, or you are welcome to bring your own
  • bring a copy of any Advanced Directives or Living Wills you may have

8. How will my pain be managed after surgery?

Your pain management is of great importance to us. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission until you receive our postoperative call at home. You will be repeatedly asked to rate your pain with a numerical score of “0 to 10”: “0” being no pain, “10” being worst pain ever. For children, the Faces Pain Scale will be used (see below). We will often use a combination of different modalities to help make you comfortable. These may include oral medications, intravenous medications, nerve blocks, injection of local anesthesia during the surgery. Please feel free to bring up any concerns or fears you may have.

9. What happens after surgery?

You will be taken to the recovery room and monitored for a period of time. If you are having outpatient surgery, you will be discharged home after you are fully recovered. Prior to discharge a nurse will review postoperative home care instructions with you and a responsible adult: any special instructions provided by your surgeon regarding diet, rest, medications, follow up appointments with surgeon, how to use any supplied equipment, such as slings or crutches, how long to take your pain medications, and more. If you are being admitted to the hospital, you will be taken to your room.

When you follow up with your surgeon, he or she will discuss additional postoperative instructions such as rehabilitation, when stitches may be removed, when you can drive or return to work/school, how long to use crutches or sling, how long you should take your pain medications, and more.

We look forward to meeting you and giving you the best service in San Antonio. Thank you for choosing Foundation Surgical Hospital to take care of you and your family.