FAQs About Your Surgery
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Trophy Club wants you to have the best possible patient experience. The answers to some of our most frequently asked questions will help you better prepare for your procedure. Please feel welcome to contact us prior to your surgery with any questions.
Before Surgery — What to expect before your day of surgery.
Yes. You may receive up to three calls. You will be contacted a few days prior to surgery by a member of your health care team. This call will include a routine health assessment, instructions for the day of surgery and answers to any questions you may have. You may also be contacted by someone in the facility’s business office to address financial matters such as your responsibility for copayments and deductibles. Finally, you may also be contacted by your anesthesiologist.
Your physician or anesthesiologist will let your know prior to the date of your surgery about any preoperative tests.
- Please bring a photo identification and your insurance card(s). Our staff will need to verify and make copies when you check in on the day of your surgery.
- Be sure to bring any medications that you may need during your stay at the facility. Do not bring narcotics.
- Please bring a list of all drugs you are currently taking.
- Please bring payment of any patient responsibility (e.g., copayment or deductible).
- Please do not bring rings, watches or other valuables.
Yes. You will not be allowed to drive after surgery. Please arrange for an adult to drive you home and for someone to be with you when you arrive.
Your physician or a preoperative nurse will inform you of eating and drinking restrictions prior to surgery. It is very important that you follow the provided instructions. If you do not, your surgery may be delayed or cancelled.
You will be given instructions regarding medications by your physician or a staff member. Also, as noted above, please be prepared to list all medications (including name and dose) you are taking and to bring any with you that may be needed during your stay. Exception: Do not bring narcotics.
- Take a shower the night before and the morning of surgery. Follow these simple steps:
1. Wash your hair first with any shampoo.
2. Wash all of your body using a liquid antibacterial soap and a clean washcloth for each shower.
3. Rinse well to remove all soap.
4. Dry your body with a clean towel.
5. Do not use lotion, cream or powder.
6. Do not shave or clip the area where the surgery will be done unless your physician directs you to do so. - On the day of your procedure make sure you, your family and any other caregivers wash hands frequently while at the facility and at home following your surgery. Also, do not hesitate to ask members of your health care team at the facility if they have washed their hands!
- After your procedure make sure you, your family and any other caregivers wash their hands frequently. Also, be sure you follow all instructions provided by your health care team regarding the care and cleaning of your surgical site as well as the administration of post-operative medications and bandages.
We realize that surgery can be frightening for you and your child. The preoperative call with the facility nurse is a great time to arrange a tour of the facility to ease any fears you both may be experiencing. If your child would like to have a stuffed animal or security blanket for added comfort, feel free to bring these items on the day of surgery. In the case of young children having surgery, it is best to have someone along with the driver to help care for the child on the trip home. If you experience any health changes between your most recent visit with your physician and the date of surgery, notify your physician immediately. Please report even minor changes, such as an elevated temperature, cough or cold. If you cannot reach your physician, please call the facility.
If not instructed previously by your surgeon, please contact your prescribing physician for instructions for holding your blood thinner.
Please hold all herbal supplements, oil-based medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, etc.), GLP-1 Agonists (i.e. Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Saxenda, Trulicity, Mounjaro), & SGLT-2 Inhibitors (i.e. Jardiance, Invokana, Farxiga, Steglatro, Brenzavvy). There may be other medications that need to be held but our Pre-Admission team will make you aware when they obtain your health history.”
If you are staying overnight, your doctor will decide which of your home medications will be safe for you to take while you are in the hospital. For most of the medications that your doctor will allow you to take, we will have those medications at our facility. For some rare instances, we may not carry certain medications and will need you to bring those with you. Our Pre-Admission team will make you aware of what medications you need to bring with you and what medications you may or may not take the morning of your surgery.
Day of Surgery — What to expect on the day of your surgery.
When you arrive at the facility, you will be checked in by a member of our staff. The admission process is usually very quick as we have obtained most of your information prior to your arrival. This final check allows us to verify all of your key information so we can better serve you.
For your comfort, we encourage you to wear clothing that can be easily removed and stored. Please avoid wearing any jewelry, piercings, nail polish and cosmetics, and leave contact lenses at home or bring your lens case with you.
A nurse will escort you into the preoperative area where you will change your clothes. Your belongings will be safely stored until you are ready to go home. We recommend that you leave all valuables and additional accessories at home.
A nurse will conduct a preoperative assessment that will include taking your vital signs and starting an IV if it is required for your procedure. The anesthesia provider will also speak with you in the preoperative area to review all preoperative information and discuss your anesthesia. Our staff will keep your family and friends informed of your progress. We understand the anxiety family and friends will have while you are having your procedure. We will make every effort to keep them informed of your progress and when they will be able to rejoin you after the procedure.
Your safety is our primary concern. Your entire health care team will follow rigorous guidelines regarding site identification and procedure confirmation. National Patient Safety Goals have been developed which require your involvement, too. You will be asked numerous times to confirm both the procedure you are having and the surgical site. You should take a very active role in all discussions with your physician, your anesthesia provider and our staff regarding the identification of your procedure and the correct surgical site. In most cases, your surgeon will mark the site prior to your procedure.
- Take a shower the night before and the morning of surgery. Follow these simple steps:
1. Wash your hair first with any shampoo.
2. Wash all of your body using a liquid antibacterial soap and a clean washcloth for
each shower.
3. Rinse well to remove all soap.
4. Dry your body with a clean towel.
5. Do not use lotion, cream or powder.
6. Do not shave or clip the area where the surgery will be done unless your physician
directs you to do so. - 2. On the day of your procedure make sure you, your family and any other caregivers wash hands frequently while at the facility and at home following your surgery. Also, do not hesitate to ask members of your health care team at the facility if they have washed their hands!
- 3. After your procedure make sure you, your family and any other caregivers wash their hands frequently. Also, be sure you follow all instructions provided by your health care team regarding the care and cleaning of your surgical site as well as the administration of post-operative medications and bandages.
Most likely. The nature of most procedures will require that you and your physician confirm both the specific type of procedure you are having as well as the surgical site of that procedure.
This will depend upon a number of factors. However, we believe that familiar faces can assist in reducing your anxiety about the procedure, so please do not hesitate to inform the nurse that you would like a friend or family member to sit with you.
Absolutely. If your child would like to have a stuffed animal or security blanket for added comfort, feel free to bring these items on the day of surgery. Also, bring your child’s bottle or “sippy cup” for after surgery if they cannot drink from a regular cup.
You will receive instructions regarding arrival time during your preoperative phone call or visit. It is important that you arrive at the designated time.
Please be sure to notify your physician, anesthesiologist and nurse prior to the date of surgery if you think you may be pregnant. The surgical procedure, anesthesia and medications may be harmful to a developing baby.
Please be sure to notify your physician, anesthesiologist and nurse prior to the date of surgery if you think you may be pregnant. The surgical procedure, anesthesia and medications may be harmful to a developing baby.
Anesthesia — What to expect with anesthesia on the day of your surgery.
Yes. There are five different categories of sedation and anesthesia: conscious sedation, general, regional, monitored anesthesia care and local anesthesia. Regardless of the type of sedation or anesthesia that you receive, special anesthetic agents and techniques are used to provide a safe and speedy recovery. If there are alternative choices available for your surgery, and often there are, your physician or anesthesia provider will discuss them with you before surgery.
Depending on the type of surgery, there may be anesthetic options. Your physician or anesthesia provider will discuss available options with you after reviewing your medical history.
You, your surgeon and your anesthesia provider will together develop an anesthetic care plan. This plan may include preoperative sedation and other medications if necessary.
All surgical procedures and all anesthetics have risks. These risks are dependent upon many factors, including the type of surgery and the medical condition of the patient. Your anesthesiologist will assess you preoperatively and every precaution will be taken to minimize your risk. We routinely see minor symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, sore throat, dizziness, tiredness, headache and muscle aches and pain, most of which are easily treated. Please feel free to discuss any questions with your anesthesia provider.
Yes. You will receive a separate bill from your anesthesia provider if anesthesia was administered.
It is important to refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery in order to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents (complication related to vomiting) during your surgery. This complication may be very serious. Specific instructions based on national safety standards will be provided to you prior to your procedure. It is very important that you follow the provided instructions. If you do not, your surgery may be delayed or cancelled.
After Inpatient Surgery — What to expect after your inpatient surgery.
For patients being admitted, once you have cleared our post operative recovery area, you will be transported to a private patient room where you will meet your nurse and other members of the support staff. During this time it’s very important to let us know how your pain is being controlled and if there is anything we can do to make your care better.
Make sure you follow pre-operative preparation for preventing infections. Then follow your post operative instructions carefully and notify your physician if you have any signs or symptoms which concern you.
After your procedure make sure you, your family and any other caregivers wash their hands frequently. Also, be sure you follow all instructions provided by your health care team regarding the care and cleaning of your surgical site as well as the administration of postoperative medications and bandages.
The management of your pain 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. During your stay at the facility, you will be repeatedly asked to rate your pain using a numerical scale (1-10), or for children, the “Faces Pain Scale” (shown below).
We will often use a combination of different modalities to help make you comfortable – choosing from oral medications, intravenous medications, nerve blocks, injection of local anesthetic during the surgery, etc. Prior to the surgery, the management of your pain should be discussed with both your anesthesiologist and surgeon. Please feel free to bring up any concerns or fears you may have. Remember that information on pain management gives you the appropriate expectations, resulting in a smoother, more comfortable recovery. It is important to follow instructions regarding your post operative pain medication closely. Many pain medications take 20 to 30 minutes to begin to work. For best results, the pain medication should be taken before the pain becomes too strong.
No. Patients will not be allowed to drive after a procedure and must make necessary transportation arrangements. Please make sure you are accompanied by a responsible adult when you leave the facility.
The amount of recovery time varies from patient to patient. After your procedure, a nurse will monitor your vital signs and make sure you are alert and stable. You will be sent home as soon as your health care team feels it is safe to discharge you from the facility.
Most patients should continue their usual medications after surgery. Patients who have diabetes and those patients on blood thinners may require some adjustment of their medications. These instructions will be clarified with you before you leave the facility. If you have any questions, please call your surgeon or primary care physician.
After Outpatient Surgery — What to expect after your outpatient surgery.
If you are having outpatient surgery, you will be discharged from the post operative recovery unit.
When you are ready to be discharged from the hospital, your physician will write at-home instructions and a follow-up care plan and prescriptions for you. It’s important to:
- Ask any questions you have
- Get your medications filled right away
- Make your follow-up care appointment with your physician
Once you are discharged, expect a phone call from us within 24-48 hours. Please make sure we have your correct number.
Admission to the hospital after surgery happens occasionally. In certain circumstances, your physician or anesthesiologist may determine that you need to be admitted to the hospital for additional postoperative care.
Your surgeon may have specific recommendations for your postoperative diet. We generally suggest that you eat lightly after surgery, and strongly encourage you to drink plenty of fluids. You should avoid alcoholic beverages.
Make sure you follow pre-operative preparation for preventing infections. Then follow your post operative instructions carefully and notify your physician if you have any signs or symptoms which concern you.
After your procedure make sure you, your family and any other caregivers wash their hands frequently. Also, be sure you follow all instructions provided by your health care team regarding the care and cleaning of your surgical site as well as the administration of postoperative medications and bandages.
The management of your pain 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. During your stay at the facility, you will be repeatedly asked to rate your pain using a numerical scale (1-10), or for children, the “Faces Pain Scale” (shown below).
We will often use a combination of different modalities to help make you comfortable – choosing from oral medications, intravenous medications, nerve blocks, injection of local anesthetic during the surgery, etc. Prior to the surgery, the management of your pain should be discussed with both your anesthesiologist and surgeon. Please feel free to bring up any concerns or fears you may have. Remember that information on pain management gives you the appropriate expectations, resulting in a smoother, more comfortable recovery. It is important to follow instructions regarding your post operative pain medication closely. Many pain medications take 20 to 30 minutes to begin to work. For best results, the pain medication should be taken before the pain becomes too strong.
No. Patients will not be allowed to drive after a procedure and must make necessary transportation arrangements. Please make sure you are accompanied by a responsible adult when you leave the facility.
The amount of recovery time varies from patient to patient. After your procedure, a nurse will monitor your vital signs and make sure you are alert and stable. You will be sent home as soon as your health care team feels it is safe to discharge you from the facility.
Most patients should continue their usual medications after surgery. Patients who have diabetes and those patients on blood thinners may require some adjustment of their medications. These instructions will be clarified with you before you leave the facility. If you have any questions, please call your surgeon or primary care physician.
Discharge Instructions
We want to be certain that you understand all of your at-home instructions, have follow-up care scheduled, and that you don’t have any questions or concerns about your care.
Thank you for entrusting your care to us, we look forward to providing you with the quality care and service you expect and deserve.