Preparing for Surgery
Before, During and After Surgery

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• Makeup, nail polish, jewelry and hair clips will be removed before you go to surgery. Dentures or partial plates, contact lenses, eyeglasses, hearing aides and any other prosthesis will also be removed.
• A nurse will ask you to put on a patient gown if you have not already done so, and to go to the bathroom before going to the operating room.
• A nurse will check your pulse and blood pressure. A nurse may put a needle into your vein (IV or intravenous) to give you fluid and/or medications either while you are in your room or when you are in the operating room. You may also receive an oral medication to help you stay calm.
• A person from the operating room will come for you. You will be transported to the holding area for the operating room either by walking, in a wheelchair or lying on a stretcher.
• In the holding area, the anesthesiologist will speak to you. You may also ask to see the surgeon if you have further concerns. The nurse will come and take you into the operating room.

• All the staff in the operating room wear special clothing, caps and masks. The room is very bright and cool.
• A nurse or technician will greet you and check your identification bracelet. They will also ask you if you have any allergies.
• They will help you to get comfortable on the operating table and may position your arms or legs.
• A heart monitor and blood pressure cuff will be attached to your chest to help check your vital signs during surgery.
• A device that looks like a clothespin (oximeter) will be attached to your finger to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood.
• The time you will spend in the operating room is estimated. If your surgery takes longer it does not mean that anything is wrong.

• After surgery they will wake you in the operating room, but you will probably not remember. Then you will be moved into the Recovery Room (Post Anesthesia Care Unit, PACU) where the nurse will continue to try to wake you. This room may seem noisy and bright as you awaken. There will be other patients in the Recovery Room.
• Your vital signs will be checked frequently.
• If you need oxygen, you will have a mask or tubing on your face.