Steps to help you prepare for your surgery visit.
We want to make your experience at ECU Health SurgiCenter as smooth, effective and comfortable as possible. Our team is here to help you and your family prepare for surgery.
Please carefully review these guidelines for surgery. If instructions are not followed, we may have to reschedule your procedure for safety reasons. Please call the SurgiCenter at 252-847-7700 if you have any questions.
If you have questions about your insurance, or how to pay for your procedure, visit our Insurance page for information and frequently asked questions.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare for Surgery
Step 1: Preregister for Surgery
You’ll need to preregister with the SurgiCenter before your procedure, by phone. Simply call to preregister at 252-847-7705.
Step 2: Tell Us About Your Health
For your safety, please let us know about health issues, medications or recent infections. We also need to know if you become ill leading up to surgery. We may need to reschedule your surgery as a protective measure. Be sure to tell us about any medications you’re taking. Certain medications should not be used before surgery. To learn more, see our medication guidelines.
Step 3: Arrange for Help After Surgery
You’ll need to arrange for a family member or friend (18 years or older) to drive you home after surgery. When you arrive for surgery, we will request confirmation that you have a ride home, and your driver will need to come into the SurgiCenter prior to discharge. You’ll also want and need someone to stay with you for at least 24 hours after you go home.
Step 4: Limit Food and Drink
For your protection, we ask that you do not eat anything after midnight the night before your surgery, including mints, gum and candy. However, you can have clear liquids up to two hours before your arrival time. This means liquids you can see through, such as tea (without milk or creamer), sports drinks, Pedialyte, ginger ale or water. We also recommend that you refrain from alcohol and smoking for 24 hours before your surgery.
Step 5: Get Ready for Surgery Day
To protect yourself against infection, take a shower or bath the night before and again on the morning of your surgery. If surgical soap is recommended, simply follow the instructions provided by your medical team. Don’t shave near the surgical site, and don’t use lotion, deodorant or powder.
On the day of your surgery, wear warm, loose, comfortable clothing. Think about clothing that will be easy to put on after your surgery; for example, a button-up shirt for arm surgery or loose-fitting pants for foot surgery. Also, be sure to remove makeup, nail polish, jewelry, body piercings and metal hair accessories. If you have false teeth, don’t apply adhesives on the day of surgery.
Step 6: Arrive Early
Plan to arrive at least one hour before your surgery time, although your physician may ask you to come earlier. Bring your insurance card and method of payment on the day of surgery. Leave any valuables at home, including your purse, cell phone or pagers. If you wear dentures, eyeglasses, contact lenses or hearing aids, bring a container to keep them safe during your surgery.
Having Knee or Hip Replacement Surgery?
If you’re having knee or hip replacement surgery, we want to make sure you have a positive care experience at the SurgiCenter, a safe transition home, and a quick return to the activities you love. These video guides will help you prepare for surgery, ready your home and maximize your recovery.