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Preparing For Surgery

Preparing for your surgery at DSC is important to us. Please click on the links below to review important information prior to your visit with us.

Preoperative Instructions

The surgery center will verify your insurance benefits and obtain any necessary authorizations. You should be aware, however, that this does not necessarily ensure payment by your health plan. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the benefits applicable to the procedure you will have performed at our center. You will be called and informed of your financial responsibility prior to your scheduled procedure date.

Payment of that portion of the facility charge not covered by your insurance company will be required on the day of your procedure. Cash, checks and credit card payments are accepted. If you anticipate difficulty with your bill, please let us know before your procedure so that we can work together to establish a fair solution.

It is imperative for your safe recovery that your physician and anesthesia provider are aware of your complete health history and current health status. Please be forthcoming with any health issues that may impact your safety, i.e.; heart and/or lung problems, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, drug resistant organisms, a history of infection, and so forth. Notify your physician if there is any change in your physical condition, such as a cold, fever or flu symptom. If there is a chance you are pregnant, please notify your physician immediately.

Arrange for a responsible adult to come to the center, receive your post-procedure instructions, take you home and stay with you at least overnight following your procedure if you are scheduled for a general or sedation anesthetic. You are not permitted to drive yourself home after receiving any anesthesia.

All patients are asked to read and complete a consent form for their procedure. Make sure you understand the risks and benefits of your procedure and the risks of not having your procedure done. Ask your physician if this is not clear to you. In the case of a minor child or dependent adult having a procedure, a parent or legal guardian must do the following:

  • Sign the consent
  • Bring documentation of guardianship to the center on the day of procedure
  • Remain on premises during the procedure

Communication between the patient and surgery center is necessary. A communication representative can be arranged either by the patient or the surgery center if the patient cannot read, cannot speak English, uses sign language or has any difficulty in communicating.

Anesthesia Information

At our outpatient surgery center, we prioritize your comfort and safety. Anesthesia is a critical part of the surgical experience, ensuring that you remain pain-free during your procedure. Below is an overview of the types of anesthesia we use and what you can expect.
Types of Anesthesia

General Anesthesia

  • What It Is: General anesthesia puts you into a deep sleep, rendering you completely unconscious and pain-free during surgery.
  • What to Expect: You will not be aware of anything during the procedure, and a specialized anesthesiologist will monitor your vital signs closely throughout the surgery. Once the procedure is over, you’ll wake up in the recovery area.
  • Uses: Common for longer or more complex surgeries, or for patients who prefer not to be awake.

Regional Anesthesia

  • What It Is: Regional anesthesia numbs a larger area of your body, such as an entire limb or the lower half of your body.
  • What to Expect: You will remain awake but will not feel pain in the area being operated on. A sedative may be offered to help you relax.
  • Uses: Often used for procedures like hand, knee, or hip surgeries, or cesarean sections.

Local Anesthesia

  • What It Is: Local anesthesia numbs a small, specific area of your body, allowing you to remain fully awake during the procedure.
  • What to Expect: You will be conscious throughout the procedure, and the numbing effect is usually immediate. No sedation is required, though it may be offered.
  • Uses: Typically used for minor procedures like skin excisions, dental work, or small tissue repairs.

Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) or IV Sedation

  • What It Is: Also known as “twilight sedation,” this involves administering sedatives through an IV to relax you, with or without local anesthesia.
  • What to Expect: You may feel drowsy and relaxed, and although you’ll be awake, you likely won’t remember much of the procedure.
  • Uses: Common for less invasive procedures like colonoscopies or cataract surgeries.

What to Expect with Anesthesia

  • Before Surgery: You will meet with your anesthesiologist, who will review your medical history, explain the type of anesthesia best suited for your procedure, and answer any questions you have.
  • During Surgery: The anesthesiologist will carefully monitor your vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the procedure.
  • After Surgery: Once your surgery is complete, you will be moved to the recovery area, where the anesthesia will wear off under supervision. Most patients feel groggy initially and may experience mild side effects like nausea or a sore throat, depending on the type of anesthesia used.

Common Side Effects of Anesthesia

  • Drowsiness or grogginess
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sore throat (if a breathing tube was used for general anesthesia)
  • Mild confusion or difficulty waking up, especially with general anesthesia
  • Temporary numbness or tingling (with regional or local anesthesia)

Safety and Monitoring
Your safety is our top priority. Our anesthesiologists are highly trained in both administering anesthesia and managing any complications that may arise. We use the latest monitoring equipment to track your vital signs throughout the surgery to ensure you remain safe and comfortable.

Day of Procedure

  • Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight the day of your procedure unless otherwise instructed by your physician or the facility. You may brush your teeth, taking care not to swallow any water.
  • Follow your doctor’s orders regarding the taking of any medications the night before or the day of your procedure.
  • Refrain from smoking after midnight the day of your procedure.
  • Bathe or shower the morning of your procedure.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing such as sweat pants or baggy shorts, which will fit over bandages or dressings following surgery.
  • Wear low heeled, comfortable shoes.
  • Do not wear contact lenses.
  • Remove makeup and jewelry.
  • Leave valuables at home.
  • Pediatric patients may appreciate a favorite blanket or stuffed animal for reassurance.
  • Your doctor may prescribe medication for you to take following your surgery. Bring your insurance card and the means to pay for your medications.
  • If you have an Advanced Directive or Living Will, bring a copy with you to the facility.
  • Bring a list of all your medications, including any herbal or homeopathic supplements, and any over-the-counter drugs that you take on a regular basis. Include full name, strength and dosage information with everything you write on this list. Check with the facility regarding any of your medications that may need to be brought with you to the facility (inhalers, insulin, etc.)
  • Arrive promptly at the scheduled time. Occasionally schedules run ahead of time. If you plan to be away from home the day of your procedure, or if you are from out of town, please call the facility with an alternate telephone number where you can be reached. They may call and ask you to come in earlier.
  • Your physician should mark the site he or she will conduct the surgery on before your procedure begins. Don’t be afraid to ask your physician to do this to make your surgery safer.
  • During your stay, your pain will be assessed through the use of a pain scale and a pain management plan will be established. Effective pain management will be an important part of your plan of care. Notify your physician or staff when you have pain.

After Your Procedure

Following your procedure, you will be brought to the recovery room; this is a monitored care area, so families and friends generally are not allowed. Your physician should speak with you and/or your family or friends after your procedure.
The time you spend in the recovery room will vary depending upon the type of procedure performed, the type of anesthesia that was given and your individual needs. Most patients are discharged within one-to-three hours after their procedure.
Once you are stable, you will be transferred to another part of the recovery unit so you can rest and be taken care of until it is time for your discharge. Here the postoperative nurse will invite your family and/or friends to stay with you. You will be offered something to drink and a light snack.
The nurse will review post-operative home care instructions with you and your responsible adult caregiver, as well as explain any special instructions provided by your physician regarding diet, rest and medications. This is the time for both you and your caretaker to ask any questions you may have regarding your procedure, your post-operative instructions, or your follow-up appointments.
Since it is normal to feel drowsy after receiving anesthesia, we also strongly recommend you postpone the following activities for 24 hours after discharge:

  • Driving and operating equipment
  • Signing important papers
  • Making significant desicions
  • Drinking alcoholic beverages or taking any drug without your physician’s approval

If you have unexpected problems, please call your physician. If you or your responsible adult caregiver feels that an emergency exists after your discharge to your home, please immediately go to your local hospital emergency department or call 911. EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE NOT PROVIDED AT THE DOTHAN SURGERY CENTER. A staff member from the surgery center will attempt to contact you within a few days after your discharge to check your progress and answer any questions you may have about your procedure.

In addition to any financial responsibility to the surgery center, you also may receive separate statements or bills from your physician, anesthesiologist and pathologist for any portion of your procedure not covered by insurance.

Dothan Surgery Center’s goal is to deliver premium care for our patients in a safe, caring, and relaxing environment. No one is better qualified to measure our success than a former patient. That’s why we welcome your feedback. Please feel free to call or write the facility administrator to share with him or her any comments or concerns you have regarding your experience at our center.