Preoperative Instructions

Please complete your pre-surgical registration before your procedure by clicking here HERE or by calling 479.404.2550.

• Please plan to arrive at North Hills Surgery Center 1 hour and 30 minutes before your procedure is scheduled.
• Children under the age of 8 may arrive 1 hour before their scheduled procedure time.
• A parent/legal guardian must accompany children under the age of 18.

What to bring with you

• Living Will or Advance Directive, if you have one
• Insurance cards and social security number
• Your payment for the estimated amount due for your service
• Any equipment and/or braces your physician gave to you

Preparing for surgery

• Please leave all valuables at home or with your accompanying party. North Hills Surgery Center is not responsible for lost valuables.
• Please shower/bathe the night before or the day of your procedure with soap and water.
• Do not wear nail polish, heavy makeup or jewelry including wedding bands and “permanent” jewelry.
• You must arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you home and remain with you for 24 hours following surgery. Public transportation or taxi service are not considered a responsible adult. Please have someone stay in the surgery center during your surgery to speak to the physician after surgery. For your safety, if you do not have a responsible adult to accompany you, your case will be canceled.  No exceptions will be made.

Food and drink guidelines

Colonoscopy and EGD patients of any age:

• Follow preop instructions given by your doctor’s office. Do not eat or drink anything unless instructed by your doctor
• No chewing gum, candy, mints, etc. 8 hours before the procedure

Adults and Children:

• No solid food after midnight
• After midnight, you may have 8 ounces (1 cup) of clear liquids 4 or more hours before the procedure. Clear liquids include water, Sprite, and black coffee (no creamer or dairy products)
• No chewing gum, candy, mints, etc. 8 hours before the procedure

Infants:

• May have 8 ounces (1cup) of formula or breast milk 6 hours before the procedure
• May have 8 ounces (1 cup) clear liquids 4 hours before the procedure.

If you do not follow these instructions, your surgery may be canceled or postponed

If you have any questions or concerns about the above instructions, please call 479.404.2550 or email nhscscheduling@wregional.com.

If you need an interpreter, please call 479.404.2550
Si necesita un intérprete, por favor llame al 479.404.2550
Elañe kwoj aikuj juon ri-ukok, jouj im call e 479.404.2550

After Surgery

You will be monitored in our recovery room after surgery. If you have general anesthetic, expect to spend at least 1 hour total in recovery. Recovery is divided into first stage and second stage.

• During first stage recovery, the nurse will monitor your vital signs, your comfort level, and ask you to cough and take deep breaths to aid in your recovery.
• Once you are stable, or if you have sedation/local anesthesia, you will be moved to second stage recovery. You will be able to drink fluids and have a family member or friend visit when your condition allows. Expect to spend about 30 minutes in second stage recovery.
  
• When you are ready to go home, the nurse will review instructions with you and/or the person accompanying you. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding medication and diet.
• The next business day after surgery, a nurse will call to check on your progress. Please ask any questions or report any concerns to the nurse.
  

Patient Experience

Washington Regional's Patient Experience Department values your feedback. If you have concerns regarding your care experience, contact Patient Experience by calling 479.463.2323 or by emailing px@wregional.com.

Please note that Patient Experience team members cannot answer medical questions or provide follow-up care.