Will I be contacted before my surgery? 

Your surgeon's office will notify you of the appointment time for your surgery as well as arrange a pre-op assessment. If you have any questions about your appointments please call the Guam Surgicenter at 671-646-3855.

What tests are required before my surgery?

Any pre-operative tests will be determined by your physician or anesthesiologist and communicated to you before the date of your surgery.

What should I bring? 

• Please bring 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 (e.g., inhaler or insulin).
  
• Please bring a list of all drugs you are currently taking.
  
• Please bring payment of any patient responsibility (e.g. co-payment or deductible)
  
• Please do not bring rings, watches, or other valuables.
  

Should I arrange a ride?

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 at home.

What may I eat or drink before surgery?

Your physician or a pre-operative nurse will inform you of eating and drinking restrictions before surgery. It is very important that you follow the provided instructions. If you do not, your surgery may be delayed or cancelled.

Should I take my medications the day of surgery?

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 (e.g., inhaler or insulin).

Should I shower before surgery?

Yes, this can help reduce the risk of a surgical site infection. Take a shower the night before and the morning of surgery. Follow these simple steps:

• Wash your hair first with any shampoo.
  
• Wash all of your body using a liquid antibacterial soap and a clean washcloth for each shower.
  
• Rinse well to remove all soap.
  
• Dry your body with a clean towel.
  
• Do not use lotion, cream or powder.
  
• Do not shave or clip the area where the surgery will be done unless your physician directs you to do so.
  
• Sleep on freshly laundered linens and blankets to keep from contaminating your body.
  

What else can we do to reduce the risk of infection?

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 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.  

What if I think I might be pregnant?

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.

On the day of your surgery:

1. Please bring your insurance card and all insurance information with you the day of surgery.

2. You will be asked to pay any deductible, co-pay and balance that the insurance does not cover before surgery.

3. Uninsured and/or cash patients are required to pay in full for services on or before the day of surgery.

Can I smoke?

No. We advise against smoking on the day of your procedure. Smoking may interfere with the anesthesia and frequently produces nausea during the recovery period.

What will happen when I first arrive at the facility?

When you arrive at Guam Surgicenter, 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.

What should I wear?

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.

What should I do with my clothes and additional belongings?

A nurse will escort you into the pre-operative 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.

What happens after I check-in?

A nurse will conduct a pre-operative 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 pre-operative area to review all pre-operative 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 re-join you after the procedure.

Why are people asking me the same questions over and over?

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.

What can I do to help prevent a surgical site infection?

Take a shower the night before and the morning of surgery.

Follow these simple steps:

• Wash your hair first with any shampoo.
  
• Wash all of your body using a liquid antibacterial soap and a clean washcloth for each shower.
  
• Rinse well to remove all soap.
  
• Dry your body with a clean towel.
  
• Do not use lotion, cream or powder.
  
• Do not shave or clip the area where the surgery will be done unless your physician directs you to do so.
  
• Sleep on freshly laundered linens and blankets to keep from contaminating your body.
  

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.

Will I see my physician prior to surgery?

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.

How long can my family stay with me prior to my 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.

When should I arrive?

You will receive instructions regarding arrival time during your pre-operative phone call. It is important that you arrive at the designated time.

What if I think I might be pregnant?

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.

Are there different kinds of sedation or anesthesia?

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, your physician or anesthesia provider will discuss them with you before surgery.

May I request the type of anesthesia I will receive?

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.

Will I receive any sedatives before surgery?

Together, you, your surgeon and your anesthesia provider will develop an anesthetic care plan. This plan may include preoperative sedation and other medications if necessary.

What are the risks of anesthesia?

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 pre-operatively 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, muscle aches and pain, most of which are easily treated. Please feel free to discuss any questions with your anesthesia provider.

Will I be billed separately by the anesthesiologist?

Yes. You will receive a separate bill from your anesthesia provider if anesthesia was administered.

Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery?

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.

What will happen if I am not well enough to go home?

Occasionally, a patient must be admitted to a hospital from a surgery center. In certain circumstances, your physician or anesthesiologist may determine that you need to be transferred to the hospital for additional post-operative care.

What if I am not feeling well once I get home?

If you are in serious pain, or exhibit warning symptoms described in your discharge instructions, please call your physician, go to the emergency room or call 911.

What can I eat when I get home?

Your surgeon may have specific recommendations for your post-operative diet. We generally suggest that you eat lightly after surgery, and strongly encourage you to drink plenty of fluids. You should avoid alcoholic beverages. Even though you're not in a hospital, it is imperative that you follow your doctor's orders regarding diet, rest and medication. Unless otherwise instructed, you should start your diet with clear liquids. The next day you may resume your normal diet.

What can I do when I get home?

You must NOT drive, smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, operate heavy machinery, or cook until the day after surgery.

It's not unusual to feel drowsy or a little dizzy for several hours after your operation. It is, therefore, a good idea not to sign any important papers or make significant decisions for several hours. If you experience any unusual problems, please contact your surgeon immediately. In an emergency, contact your physician and/or go to the emergency room.

What can I do to help prevent a post operative infection?

Make sure you, your family, and 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. Follow your post operative instructions carefully and notify your physician if you have any signs or symptoms which concern you.

Can my family be with me after surgery?

Yes. After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area. A nurse will monitor your vital signs and make sure you are comfortable as the anesthesia begins to wear off. Once you are awake and alert, your family will be invited back to the recovery area. Special arrangements are made for children having surgery.

Can I drive home?

No. Patients will not be allowed to drive after a procedure and must make necessary transportation arrangements. If you plan to walk or take public transportation from our facility after a procedure, please make sure you are accompanied by a responsible adult.

Should I continue my usual medications after surgery?

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.

How long will I stay after my surgery?

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.

How can family and friends help before the patient's surgery?

You can best help your family member or friend by offering emotional support. A diagnostic exam or surgery, along with anesthesia and results of these procedures, are often more stressful than the actual events, which is why emotional support is helpful. You can also help by making sure that all pre-operative instructions are followed.

How can family and friends help during the surgery?

Your may stay with the patient in the pre-operative area as he or she is prepared for the procedure. With exception of parents of pediatric patients, family or friends are not allowed in the procedure rooms or operating rooms. You may wait in our reception area or you may leave a phone number where you can be reached. However, we prefer that someone remain at Guam Surgicenter during the patient's procedure in case we need to consult with a family member. It's also a good idea to bring something to read or do while you wait.

How will I know when the surgery is finished?

When the procedure or surgery is finished, the surgeon or nurse will call you at a phone number where you can be reached or speak with you in the reception area. The receptionist also maintains contact with the clinical staff and will keep you informed of any delays. Families and friends are encouraged to ask for updates as needed for their comfort. To inquire about your family member or friend, you may call 671-646-3855.

What happens after the surgery is finished? How long is recovery?

All patients need time to recover from the effects of anesthesia. You may see your family member or friend once they are in the discharge area. One to two family members or friends may visit at a time, depending on available space. The recovery time may be anywhere from one to several hours. Before patients may go home, they must be relatively comfortable, be able to drink fluids, walk without feeling dizzy and, in some cases, empty their bladder. Each person will recover at his or her own pace.

What should I do while my family member or friend is in recovery?

While there, remember that patients are usually tired and sleepy. Often times it is reassuring for the patient just to know that you are quietly sitting by their side. Some patients can rest with family members at their side, others feel badly that they are making their family members wait and thus try to rush their recovery. In some cases, the best thing you can do for the patient is to briefly visit and then return to the waiting area until the patient feels ready to go home.

What happens when my family member or friend is ready to go home?

Upon discharge, the patient will receive written discharge instructions about how to take care of themselves at home. The nurse will review these with you and the patient. Please listen carefully as the patient may not remember the instructions due to medications they have been given or because they are still sleepy. If you have questions, please make sure they are all answered before you leave.

How do I get my family member or friend home?

Taking a taxi is acceptable only if a family member or friend accompanies the patient. When it is time to go home the patient is taken via wheelchair or walked to the discharge area on the east side of the building where you can drive your car or meet the taxi to pick up the patient.

How can I help my family member or friend at home?

Once you get the patient home, the most important thing is to allow him or her to rest. They should make no plans for the rest of the day. Depending on whether or not the procedure was diagnostic or surgical, some patients may feel tired for a few days and may not regain their usual energy level for several days. The patient is the best judge of how much activity he or she can do. The surgeon will give guidelines about limitations of activities such as exercise and heavy lifting. Sometimes patients need help with cooking, housekeeping chores and child care after surgery.

What is "normal" after surgery?

Expect the patient to have some discomfort. You can encourage the patient to take their pain medication as prescribed. Be sure that all prescription pain medication is taken with food. Alcohol must be avoided for 24 hours and/or while taking prescription pain medications. If the discomfort is not relieved by the prescribed pain medication or if they are having side effects from the medication, the surgeon should be called. A diminished appetite is normal after surgery. Fluids should be encouraged as tolerated. To start with we recommend clear fluids (ginger ale, apple juice, cranberry juice, soup broth) and light foods (soup, toast, crackers, noodles). Caffeinated drinks should be limited, as they can be dehydrating. When the patient feels ready they may return to a regular diet.

What should I do if I have questions?

If you have questions, you may contact the patient's doctor through his or her office or answering service. If you have trouble reaching the doctor, please contact Guam Surgicenter Monday through Friday from 6:30am to 5:00pm at 671-646-3855 ext. 555, (the ext. 555 allows your call to ring through to the center before phones are officially opened at 8:00am).

If you are concerned it is a medical emergency, please go to the emergency room or call 911.