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August 29, 2026

Day of Surgery Care

Arrival at the ASC

Plan to arrive at the time provided by the surgical center. Your arrival time may be earlier than your scheduled surgery time because several steps must be completed before your procedure.

Check-In and Pre-Operative Preparation

A nurse will review your medical history, medications, allergies, vital signs, and current health status.

You may have:

  • Identification and procedure verification.
  • Medication reconciliation.
  • Vital signs and other assessments.
  • Blood glucose testing when indicated.
  • Pregnancy testing when applicable.
  • IV placement.
  • Laboratory testing when clinically indicated.
  • Surgical-site preparation.
  • Compression devices to reduce the risk of blood clots when appropriate.
  • Medication before surgery.
  • Anesthesia evaluation.
  • Discussion with your surgeon.
  • Review of your discharge and transportation arrangements.

Patient Safety Verification

You will be asked several times to confirm information such as:

  • Your name and date of birth.
  • The procedure you are having.
  • The surgical site or side of the body.
  • Allergies.
  • Medications.
  • Other important medical information.

These repeated questions are intentional safety checks.

Before Going to the Operating Room

Your care team will answer questions and explain what to expect.

You may be asked to remove:

  • Jewelry and body piercings.
  • Dentures or removable dental appliances.
  • Contact lenses.
  • Hearing aids, when appropriate.
  • Other personal items as directed.

Your personal belongings will be secured according to the facility’s process.

During Surgery

Your surgical team may include:

  • Surgeon and surgical assistants.
  • Anesthesia professional.
  • Registered nurses.
  • Surgical technologists.
  • Other healthcare professionals as appropriate.

Your vital signs and condition will be continuously monitored as appropriate for your procedure and anesthesia.

The team will use multiple safety processes, including verification of your identity, procedure, surgical site, allergies, medications, and other relevant risks.

You may have little or no memory of portions of your surgery or the immediate recovery period because of anesthesia or medications. This can be normal.

Immediate Post-Operative Care

After surgery, you will be transferred to the recovery area.

What to Expect

A recovery nurse will monitor:

  • Breathing and oxygen level.
  • Blood pressure and heart rate.
  • Level of consciousness.
  • Pain.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Surgical site and dressings.
  • Bleeding or drainage.
  • Ability to move safely.
  • Hydration and ability to tolerate fluids when appropriate.
  • Other procedure-specific concerns.

You may feel:

  • Sleepy or tired.
  • Dizzy or lightheaded.
  • Cold or shivering.
  • Mildly confused or forgetful
  • Nauseated.
  • Sore or uncomfortable.
  • Weak or unsteady.

It is common to feel like no time has passed between surgery and recovery and can make it seem like things are progressing quickly. These effects can occur after anesthesia and medications and generally improve as you continue to recover

Pain Management

Tell your nurse about your pain.

Your care team may use several approaches to control pain, including:

  • Medication
  • Ice or other non-medication measures.
  • Positioning.
  • Regional or local anesthesia.
  • Activity or mobility instructions.

Pain control does not always mean that you will have no pain. The goal is to control your pain enough to allow safe recovery, movement, rest, and participation in your recovery plan.

Getting Ready to Go Home

You will not be discharged simply because your procedure is complete. Please be assured that your care team will only discharge you home when you are safe and ready, and you will then continue to recover at home, where you’ll be more comfortable.

Depending on your procedure, you may need to demonstrate that you can:

  • Remain awake and appropriately responsive.
  • Maintain stable vital signs.
  • Breathe adequately.
  • Control pain and nausea at an acceptable level.
  • Tolerate fluids when appropriate.
  • Urinate when required for your procedure.
  • Move safely or use required assistive equipment.
  • Understand your discharge instructions.

Discharge From the ASC

Before leaving, you and your caregiver should receive instructions about:

  • Medications.
  • Pain management.
  • Diet and fluids.
  • Activity and exercise.
  • Walking and use of assistive devices.
  • Incision and dressing care.
  • Showering and bathing.
  • Restrictions and precautions.
  • Follow-up appointments.
  • Physical therapy, when applicable.
  • Warning signs and complications.
  • Who to contact with questions or concerns.
  • When to seek emergency medical attention.

Before Leaving

  • I understand my discharge instructions.
  • I know which medications to take and when.
  • I understand which medications I should not take.
  • I know how to care for my incision/dressing.
  • I understand my activity restrictions.
  • I know when and how to follow up with my surgeon.
  • I know who to contact if I have questions.
  • I have transportation home.

Do not drive yourself home after receiving anesthesia or sedating medications.