PREOOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS: (Outpatient Surgery).
BEFORE SURGERY: Call Dr. Lackore if you have questions or any change in your physical condition. You should call even if you have just a scratchy throat.
MEDICATIONS: Ask about your medications. If you take aspirin, please ask your doctor if and when you should stop taking it prior to surgery.
PRE-OP PHONE CALL: Expect a call form an Ambulatory Surgery Center nurse 1-4 days before surgery. She will call you to confirm the time of your surgery, give you instructions, obtain a health history, and tell you what medications you should take if you take any on a regular basis. You may reach this nurse by paging her beeper at 680-0688 and she will call you back. After 4 PM please call 496-8934.
PRE-OP TESTS: Laboratory test, x-rays, and other diagnostic test ordered by your physicians must be completed three to ten days prior to your scheduled surgery date. This will give your medical team time to review the results of any pre-operative testing.
WHEN TO STOP EATING: All adults may have solid foods until midnight the night before surgery. Please avoid heavy, greasy foods. After midnight, you are AVOID ALL food, milk products or pulp containing liquids (OJ, grapefruit juice) of any kind.
WHEN TO STOP DRINKING: Clear liquids (water, Sprite, 7-up, apple juice, coffee with out cream) are allowed and encouraged until three (3) hours prior to the time of surgery. No mints, lozenges, gum, or hard candy.
PLAN FOR AFTER SURGERY:
Read your post-op instructions BEFORE your surgery.
Arrange for a ride home and someone to care for you after surgery.
You must have a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after surgery.
We encourage your care giver to stay at the center.
DAY OF SURGERY:
WEAR CASUAL CLOTHING: We’ll provide a gown, robe and slippers for your surgery.
ARRIVE ON TIME: Please arrive at the time instructed by the pre-op call room nurse or by your surgeon, which is usually One hour and 45 minutes hours before the scheduled operation. Please be prompt. Your admission process is part of the surgery schedule.
LEAVE CONTACT-LENSES HOME: If you must bring them, bring a storage case.
LEAVE AT HOME: all jewelry, including any piercings, and valuables.
BRING INSURANCE FORMS: (completed) if you haven’t already mailed them to us.
BRING INSURANCE ID CARD: and any papers given to you by your Doctor.
VENDING MACHINES: Complimentary beverages and vending machines are available in the waiting room for visitors.
WIRELESS INTERNET: In addition to two internet connected computers in the waiting area, there is an unsecured wireless network (SSID is VBASC) that is available to those with laptop computers.
COUNSELING MISCARRIAGE: At least 20% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage (loss of the pregnancy). If you have vaginal bleeding, have cramping pain that is felt low in the abdomen, or pass tissue through the vagina, there is a chance of miscarriage. Sometimes vaginal bleeding and cramping continue, become stronger, and spontaneous miscarriage occurs. This pain is usually stronger than menstrual cramps.  If you have had a miscarriage and  tissue remains in the uterus, bleeding often continues. If you have retained tissue, it may be removed by a surgical proceedure called dilation and suction curettage (D&C). This may involve dilating, or widening, the cervix (mouth of the uterus) and gently scraping tissue away from the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). The tissue also may be removed by suctioning. This is called suction curettage.  Most miscarriages cannot be prevented. They are often the body’s way of dealing with a pregnancy that was not growing normally. Usually, having a miscarriage doesn’t mean that you can’t have more children or that anything is wrong with your health. There is no proof that physical activity or sex during pregnancy cause miscarriage. If you have two or three miscarriages in a row, however, your doctor may suggest that some tests be performed to look for a possible cause.
COUNSELING DILATION/CURETTAGE RISKS: You should be aware of the anticipated benefits and risks of your surgery including low risks of excessive bleeding, infection, injury to internal organs, anesthesia complications and (VERY RARELY) death. You have been given an opportunity to ask questions and indicated your questions had been answered. Please call us before surgery if you have any other questions.
YOU SHOULD: Avoid intercourse until all bleeding has stopped for at least 2 weeks. “Take it easy” and avoid vigorous exercise or work activity. Call us is your symptoms of bleeding or cramping are new or, if your ongoing symptoms or bleeding or cramping are clearly worsening.
POST D&C COUNSELING: If you have not already scheduled your post op appointment, please call our office 1-4 days following your surgery to schedule a follow up appointment. Please return to our office for your post operative check-up at 3 WEEKS following surgery. CALL US IMMEDIATELY IN THE EVENT OF HEAVY VAGINAL BLEEDING, FOUL VAGINAL DISCHARGE, TEMPERATURE OVER 100 DEGREES, STEADILY WORSENING PAIN OR IF YOU ARE CONCERNED REGARDING A POSSIBLE COMPLICATION.