PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR LA PEER SURGERY CENTER

Our goal is to provide you with the best possible service and to make this transition to the operating room as efficient and comfortable as possible. As such, it is important that we gather complete and accurate information at the time of your surgery scheduling and that you follow directions carefully.

More information about La Peer Surgery Center can be obtained directly from the center at:

Our office will only bill your insurance company for the surgeon’s fees only. You may contact the La Peer Surgery Center at (310) 360-9119 to inquire about their facility & anesthesia fees.

One week before surgery:

• Your pre-op history and physical (H&P) and any necessary tests (which may include blood work, EKG, chest x-ray, etc…) are required to be completed within 7 days of your surgery. Do not wait until the last minute - it takes time for the lab to return the results to your surgeon! The history and physical must be completed by your primary care physician on a special form which is included in your packet. Please take this form with you to your physician’s office and see that it is completed and then faxed or mailed back to our office. The Surgery Center will not allow the surgery to go forward without receiving the above noted forms and tests at least 24 hours prior to your surgery. These tests are for your own safety as you undergo anesthesia and surgery.
• The doctor has reserved special time for your procedure. In order to confirm your surgery date, the name of your primary care physician and the date and time of your pre-op appointment must be provided to the office at least 7 days in advance of your surgery. If we do not hear from you, your surgery will be rescheduled.
• The history and physical as well as any tests that are ordered are your responsibility. If you do not have a primary care physician, our doctors will provide you with a recommendation. We are here to assist you in completing the pre-operative requirements.
• Stop taking aspirin, coumadin, warfarin, plavix, anti-inflammatory medications, blood thinning agents and all over the counter pain medication with the exception of Tylenol at least 7 days prior to your surgery. (Motrin, Advil, ibuprofen, Aleve and all other over the counter pain medications increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery).

The day before surgery:

• The Surgery Center will be contacting you directly by telephone to discuss the details of your admission: directions, where to park, etc... If you do not hear from them by the afternoon, please call them directly at (310) 275-1646 for details.
• Our office will also try to notify you of the exact time of your surgery. Generally speaking, we schedule infants and children earlier in the day than adults as they have a greater need for fluid intake and are at higher risk of dehydration. Please provide our staff with all possible phone numbers with which to contact you: cell, beeper, voice mail, etc...
• Adults: You may eat a light supper, avoiding fatty greasy foods. It is very important that you do not eat or drink anything, not even water, 8 hours prior to your scheduled surgery as this could interfere with your anesthesia, increase the risk of pneumonia and cause postponement.
• Children: Small children are typically allowed to have clear liquids (water, clear juice, tea, popsicles, gelatin and broth) up until 2 hours before surgery. Milk, formula and solid foods are allowed only up to 6-8 hours prior to surgery.

The day of surgery:

• On the morning of your surgery, you must be at the Surgery Center no later than one hour prior to your scheduled surgery time. It is important that you show up on time or you may risk cancellation of your surgery.
• There are occasions where your surgery may be delayed due to unforeseen emergencies or scheduling and we always suggest that you “bring a good book” to cover for this contingency. We do our best to anticipate the duration of our surgeries and schedule accordingly. However, we cannot predict everything and our top priority is always the health and safety of the patient on the operating table.
• All patients will spend some time in the post-op recovery room following surgery. The exact amount of time can vary considerably depending on the length, depth and type of anesthesia as well as the sensitivity of the patient to medications. Once you are stable enough to leave the recovery room you will be discharged home. Patients are under no circumstances allowed to drive themselves home after any anesthetic, nor are taxi cab or limo services permitted. You must arrange for your own private transportation home from the Surgery Center.

We hope we have answered all your questions. If not, please contact the office for further clarification. We also welcome any suggestions you may have about our office policies. By listening to your thoughts, ideas and suggestions, we can continually make necessary changes to provide our patients with the best possible care.