What is same day surgery?
For more than a century, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus has cared for the community’s health with skill, experience and compassion. As the region has grown, we’ve kept pace, bringing our patients a world-class level of medical and health care services.
Our staff shares a commitment to excellence, and a dedication to superior patient care. Our entire health care team strives to exceed the expectations of our patients – working to make every experience truly exceptional.
How Does Same Day Surgery Work?
After you and your physician have determined that same day surgery is the
best option for you, your doctor’s office will contact Monmouth
Medical Center Southern Campus to schedule your surgery, as well as any
pre-admission testing you might need. Testing is typically scheduled seven
to 14 days prior to surgery. At this time, a registered nurse will obtain
your medical history and answer any questions about your procedure. Be
sure to bring a list of medications and herbs that you are taking as well
as any food or medications allergies you have. The Pre-Admission Testing
Department is located in the Outpatient Pavilion at Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus.
The day before your surgery (Friday, if your surgery is scheduled for Monday), a member of our staff will call you let you know your scheduled surgery time. We will make every attempt to keep you informed of any delays should they arise.
You will also be asked, as mandated by law, whether you have an advance directive. An advance directive is a document that states your choices for medical treatment. It also designates someone to make treatment choices on your behalf, should you be unable to. If you have already prepared an advance directive, or living will, please be sure to bring a copy to the hospital with you.
The Day of Your Surgery
Enter the hospital through the Outpatient Pavilion and register for your Same Day Surgery procedure at the Registration Desk. Understandably, you may be anxious, but please be rest assured that our caring staff will do all we can to help you feel relaxed and comfortable throughout your stay.
When you arrive in Same Day Surgery you will be assigned a registered nurse who will care for you exclusively from the time of your admission until discharge. This one-on-one care enhances the rapport shared by our nurses and patients, and enables you to receive a higher level of care, enhancing your overall comfort, experience and satisfaction. Your nurse will monitor your condition, review your medical history, and answer any questions you may have about your procedure.
Information About Anesthesia
Before surgery, a member of our anesthesiology staff will meet with you to review your medical history, assess your physical condition and determine the type of anesthesia that is best suited for you.
There are four types of anesthesia:
- General Anesthesia – You are asleep throughout the procedure.
- Regional Anesthesia – Includes needle injections near major nerves, which will temporarily cause you to loose pain sensations in certain areas of your body.
- Local Anesthesia – Only the nerve area of your body to be operated on is anesthetized. Sedatives may or may not be administered.
- Monitored Anesthesia Services (MAC) – Your surgeon administers local anesthesia, while your anesthesiologist monitors your vital signs and provides intravenous sedation.
Patients undergoing general anesthesia or intravenous sedation are required to have an escort home after surgery. It may also be a good idea for them to accompany you into your home and remain with you overnight. Please be sure to make these arrangements before the day of your surgery.
Can I Have Visitors?
Upon arrival to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus your loved one will accompany you to our Same Day Surgery Unit. You will be greeted by a member of our professional team. While we are preparing you for your procedure, your family member will wait in the Hospitality Suite. You will receive a card which will include the name of the primary care nurse taking care of your loved one and a tracking number. The card explains our tracking system which allows you to follow the patient through the Peri-Operative Process.
Two visitors are allowed at the bedside in Same Day Surgery Post Procedure.
Follow-Up Care
You will be contacted by one of our nurses approximately 24 to 72 hours after surgery to check on your recovery progress. If you have any questions or concerns, please call your physician or the Same Day Surgery Unit at 732-886-4533.
Through our Concierge Program, you will be provided with one-on-one assistance
to schedule necessary follow-up tests or procedures and physician appointments
upon discharge from Monmouth Medical Center
Southern Campus. Program representatives also send confirmation letters
about appointments, and make sure all needs have been met.
In the event you experience any post op complications, please contact your doctor or the Emergency Department at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus at 732-886-4525 immediately.
Your satisfaction is our top priority
At Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus, we pride ourselves on our outstanding record of patient satisfaction. A few days after surgery you will receive a survey from Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus, that allows you to evaluate your experience with us. Because we are interested in meeting – and exceeding – our patients and families expectations, we ask that you please complete and return this survey. Each response is carefully reviewed and allows us to improve the care and service we provide to all our patients, or to acknowledge staff members that have provided the highest level of patient satisfaction.
Your comfort is important to us
Your comfort – during and after surgery – is a vital part of your overall care. Our highly trained staff makes every effort to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible throughout your surgical experience and recovery process. We have developed a pain rating scale (pictured above) to help you convey your level of comfort or discomfort. Successfully managing your pain can dramatically improve your surgical experience and overall recovery, so please tell your nurse if you are feeling any discomfort.
The Do’s & Don’ts of Same Day Surgery
DO
-
Continue to take all medications you are currently taking for chronic medical
conditions (medical conditions such as, high blood pressure, heart or
respiratory problems). Contact your physician if you have specific
questions and/or concerns. - Contact your doctor before the day of surgery if you develop a fever, cold or other illness.
- Remember to bring contact lens containers or eyeglass cases to hold eye wear during your procedure.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes on the day of surgery.
- Make arrangements to bring crutches and/or canes if you are having knee or leg surgery.
- Remember to bring your medical insurance information and payments or deposits.
DON’T
- Don’t eat after midnight the night before your surgery. Consult with your surgeon concerning the latest time you can drink clear fluids. For patients less than three years of age, contact your surgeon for specific instructions.
- Don’t wear makeup or nail polish to the hospital on the day of surgery.
- Don’t wear expensive jewelry or bring valuables to the hospital.
- Don’t bring children with you unless a child is the patient. Leave other children supervised at home.
- Don’t forget that you MUST have a responsible adult accompany you home from the hospital (and preferably stay overnight with you) if you are having general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.
- Don’t drink any alcohol or use any recreational drugs at least 24 hours following anesthesia or as directed by your physician.
- Don’t drive a car, use any machinery, cook, or make any important decisions for at least 24 hours following anesthesia/conscious sedation.
For more information or to schedule appointment, call 732-886-4533.