Your Surgery

Whether for an adult or child, surgery can be a very stressful time. The staff members at North Pointe Surgery Center (NPSC) from our receptionists, to our pre-anesthesia nurse, the anesthesia team, the nurses in the operating room and the pre-and post-op unit are all focused on your safety and care. Before your scheduled appointment, please read over your Patient folder and call us at 717-735-6650 with any questions.

Listed below are rules and guidelines for your preparation of your procedure before and after surgery. For a complete overview please refer to your Patient folder or download this information in PDF form here.

Preparing for your surgery

Once your surgeon has scheduled your procedure at NPSC, you will receive a call from our pre anesthesia nurse within two weeks prior to your surgery date. Please answer her questions honestly, by informing her of all medications you are taking, any previous surgeries you’ve had, and any allergies you may have. By providing us with the most accurate details about your health we will be able to customize your care during your stay with us.

Other important information

  • Depending on your age and medical history, you many need a few minor tests prior to surgery. Your surgery staff will inform you if this is necessary. Results from these tests will automatically be forwarded to your surgeon and our surgery center.
  • Please notify us if there are any changes in your physical condition. The doctor may choose to postpone the surgery.
  • If you are having anesthesia or sedation, you must have someone accompany you to the surgery center, drive you home after surgery, and stay with you overnight.

The Day Before Surgery

The surgery center will call you on the business day prior to your procedure to confirm your date and time. Preparing for surgery is very important to assure your safety and the best possible experience. Please review the rules below for you to follow. Ignoring these may cause your surgery to be delayed or cancelled.

If you are having anesthesia/sedation:

  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery. This includes chewing gum, lozenges, hard candy and chewing tobacco.
  • Do not bring valuables with you on the day of surgery.
  • If possible, please make arrangements for child care to allow for adequate recovery time.
  • You will be asked to arrive 1-1/2 hours prior to the time of your surgery.
  • If you are diabetic, you must check with your medical physician as to the dose and time to take your mediation prior to arriving at the center.
  • If you routinely take a medication that thins the blood, you must speak with your surgeon about when to stop this drug if you need any blood tests before surgery.
  • If you use CPAP machine to sleep at night, you will be instructed to bring your machine along with you the day of your surgery. After surgery your CPAP machine may be used in the recovery room.

If you are having a local procedure, you will be asked to arrive 1 hour prior to the time for your surgery.

When You Go Home

If you are having anesthesia/sedation:

  • You must have an adult stay with you for the first 24 hours as you may get dizzy or drowsy.
  • Rest and relax – follow your surgeon’s recommendations for resuming your normal activities.
  • Eat a light meal when you feel hungry. Heavy meals may chase nausea.
  • Follow your surgeon’s instructions for resuming any medications as well as pain medication that may have been prescribed. You will receive instructions specific to your surgical procedure and anesthesia in general at the time of discharge.
  • Do not drive, drink alcoholic beverages or operate heavy machinery or power tools for at least 24 hours after your surgery.

Please contact your surgeon’s office immediately if you experience any problems when you arrive home.