Pre/Post-Surgical Instructions

Pre-Admission Information

Prior to any surgery, pre-admission information must be completed. You will be contacted by one of our pre-admitting nurses who will need to obtain information regarding your medical history, current medications, and any known allergies. Your health history information is given to the surgery department to ensure quality care. You may also be contacted by a hospital representative requesting insurance information.

Pre-Admission Testing

Many patients are required to come to the hospital before their procedure to prepare for their surgery. Your physician or a member of the Pinnacle staff will contact you regarding any pre-admission testing that needs to take place.

Prior to Your Surgery

The Day of Your Surgery

Patients are instructed to arrive at the hospital at least 60 – 90 minutes prior to their scheduled surgery. Those needing special assistance should be sure to contact the hospital to make those arrangements before their arrival. Your first stop at the hospital should be at the front desk, and a member of the Pinnacle staff will direct you from there.

patient-after-surgery
Your physician will provide you with specific information you will need to follow the day/evening prior to your surgery. The following are basic instructions for any surgical patient. It is extremely important that you follow your physician’s specific instructions and recommendations.
 

  • Please do not eat or drink anything after the specified time given to you
  • Please do not chew any gum or candy
  • Your surgeon or the pre-admit department will inform you of medication to take before surgery
  • Avoid chewing tobacco 8 hours before your surgery. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol 24 hours before your surgery.
  • Please remove all jewelry, including any body piercings, and keep all valuables at home

Surgical Prep

Prior to changing into a surgical gown, a staff member will go over your health history and answer any questions you may have. Procedural consent will be obtained and your medication list will be reviewed. Once you are changed into a surgical gown, an intravenous line will be started on your arm to administer fluids and/or medications.

Please bring the following on the day of surgery:
 

  • Driver’s License
  • Insurance Cards
  • Appropriate Legal Documents (i.e. Living Will, Power of Attorney)
  • Responsible Driver
certified surgeons

Surgery

Once in the surgical suite, the nurse, physician, anesthesiologist and any support staff will verify the procedures to be performed and the anesthesia will be administered. The length of your surgery will vary depending on the procedure(s). Please discuss any questions about your surgery with your physician/surgeon.

Post-Op Care Instructions

Once your surgery is completed you will be taken to a recovery room, where you will be monitored by specially-trained nurses. If you are having outpatient surgery and have fully awakened from the effects of anesthesia, a family member or visitor will be allowed to stay until time of discharge. If you are having an inpatient surgery, following your recovery you will be taken to your room, where family members or visitors can visit you until time of discharge.

Once your surgery and recovery are completed, you will need to be driven home by an adult. You will not be allowed to drive. It is also recommended that you arrange for an adult to stay with you until the day after surgery.

Our board-certified surgeons combine years of surgical experience with technology to benefit our patients in many ways. Pinnacle Hospital is committed to providing patients and their families with the best possible care and not only offer the convenience of an accessible facility, but also the world-class care our physicians provide each patient no matter the scope of their surgery.

If you have any questions about your surgery or any issues involving your upcoming stay at Pinnacle Hospital, please call 219-796-4000.

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9301 Connecticut Drive, Crown Point, IN