Important Information to Read and Follow Before Your Surgery.
Washington Outpatient Surgery Center (WOSC) has been offering its patients advanced surgical services in a convenient, comfortable setting since April 1986. We are a multi-specialty surgery center, offering surgical services in the areas of Ear Nose and Throat (ENT), Gastroenterology (GI), General Surgery, Gynecology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Pain Management, Plastic Surgery, Podiatry and Urology.
Talk to Your Doctor
Talk to your doctor about your procedure. Write a list of questions and be sure you get all your questions answered. Some important questions include the following:
- Whether there are any prescription or non-prescription medications that you should avoid taking or stop taking temporarily before your procedure.
- What you can or cannot eat or drink before your surgery.
- How long your recovery will take and how you might feel the first days, weeks or months after surgery.
- What kind of supplies, equipment and help you need when you go home after your procedure.
- Ask your doctor if he /she routinely performs a “time out” with the surgical team just before beginning surgery. During the time out, the members of the team assure themselves that they are performing the correct procedure at the correct site on the correct person. This is a very important step in patient safety activity.
Make Prior Arrangements
Pick up any medications your doctor has prescribed for you.
Colonoscopy patients will require a colon cleanse; directions will be provided by your doctor.
Arrange for a driver, over the age of 18, to take you home from your surgery. Patients are NOT allowed to Uber/Lyft, Taxi, bus or walk home.
Make arrangements for a responsible adult to stay with you overnight after a general anesthesia procedure; or a minimum of 4 hours after a local anesthesia procedure.
Unless they are the patient, we encourage you not to bring small children as we do not have the appropriate facilities for their care.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any change in your health, such as a fever, cough, or cold. If you suspect you may be pregnant, anesthesia and medications may be harmful to a developing fetus.
Prior to your surgery, a nurse will call you to ask about your health history. Please provide us with the names and dosages of any medications you are currently taking and any allergies to medications or latex. We will also give you important instructions. If we have not reached you 3 days prior to surgery, please call (510) 791-5374 and ask to speak to the pre-op nurse.
The Night Before Surgery
Please do not eat or drink anything after midnight. If you need to take essential medications, you must do so with no more than 1 ounce of water no later than 3 hours before your surgery. There may be some necessary exceptions to these instructions. If so, a nurse or doctor from the Surgery Center will discuss them with you. If you do not follow these guidelines your surgery may be cancelled. If you smoke, you are advised to refrain from smoking the day before your surgery.
Preparation the Morning of Your Surgery
- Shower and wash your hair.
- Do not wear make-up.
- Wear flat shoes or slippers.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothes.
- Bring your daily medications.
- If you wear contact lenses you may have to remove them prior to surgery, so please bring your glasses.
- If your child is undergoing surgery, please bring a comforting toy or blanket. Parents of a minor child are required to stay at the Surgery Center for the duration of the child’s care. We would be happy to give you and your child a tour of the facility prior to the day of the procedure.
- Please bring your Driver’s License or State ID Card, Insurance Cards, Medicare Card or completed insurance form with you.
- Please leave valuables such as cash and jewelry at home.
At the Surgery Center
Please arrive at your assigned arrival time, given by the nurse, and check in at the reception desk. If you find yourself running late, please call us at 510.791.5374 with an update. Interpreters are available in all languages.
Before your procedure at the Surgery Center, the nurse must talk to the person who is going to take you home. Please have that person come into the center with you or be available by telephone before your procedure. We ask that patients and their rides reserve the entire day to their procedure as arrival times, surgery start-times and recovery needs vary.
You will be asked to sign a consent form after the staff verifies that you and your doctor have discussed the surgery including the reason for surgery and the risks associated with it.
The staff responsible for your care will verify who you are, what kind of surgery you are having, and the part of your body on which surgery is to be performed. You will be asked these questions many times. Staff will also double-check what you tell them against the documents provided by your doctor’s office, including x-rays. These repetitive confirmations are being done for your safety.
While in the admitting area you must remove any hairpins, jewelry, dentures, contact lenses or glasses. The staff will take care of these items and return them to you after the procedure.
In Pre-Op you will change into a hospital gown and if appropriate, have an IV started. A urine specimen may be obtained. You will be speaking with your doctor and Anesthesiologist and you will be signing a Consent for Surgery. One adult visitor is allowed in the pre-op phase.
Depending on the type of surgery you are having, the doctor who will perform your surgery will mark the correct location on your body on which your procedure is to be performed. Called “site marking” this is a critical step in ensuring your safety and preventing errors, especially if you are having surgery on one of your arms, legs, hands, fingers, eyes, ears, etc. Only the site of the surgery should have any markings. If possible, the surgery site will be marked while you are awake and you can be involved in the process.
In the Recovery Room
Following surgery, you will remain in Recovery Phase I for a minimum of 1-2 hours as you awake from anesthesia and are monitored for pain control.
Colonoscopy & Endoscopy patients will likely be in Phase I for 15-30 minutes. We will make you as comfortable as possible.
Once you are awake, dressed and moved into Phase II Recovery, the nurse will call your ride with an update. One adult visitor is allowed in Phase II Recovery. A nurse will review your post-op instructions with you and your caregiver before being discharged and escorted to the car.
Overnight Recovery Unit
If your surgery requires an overnight stay, you will be taken to our Overnight Recovery Unit on the second floor of this facility. Here you will recover in the comfort of your own private room, complete with color TV, VCR, telephone, and private bath. Registered nurses will be available to care for you. Please be sure to bring with you and personal items you may need.
Family members are welcome to spend time with you during your recovery at the Surgery Center. Visiting hours end at 9:00 PM. Patients must leave the Overnight Recovery Unit at 7:30 AM the morning after surgery.
When You Go Home
Follow the instructions given to you by your doctor. Contact your doctor if you have questions. You may also contact the Surgery Center at (510) 791-5374. Please call 911 if an emergency arises.
Surgery Center Ownership
Your physician may have a financial interest in Washington Outpatient Surgery Center and wants to remind you that you may use the facility of your choice for surgical services. You may request from your physician or the Surgery Center information on physician ownership.
Day of Procedure Check List
- Wear flat shoes or slippers.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothes.
- If you wear contact lenses, also bring your glasses.
- Leave valuables such as cash and jewelry at home.
- Bring an adult friend or family member who will drive you home and stay with you after your procedure.
- Bring your daily medications.
- Bring an interpreter if you need some assistance.
- Bring your Driver’s License or State ID Card, Insurance Cards, Medicare Card or completed insurance form with you.
- Don’t wear make-up or jewelry.
- Don’t eat or drink 8 hours before your surgery.
- Don’t worry – you’re in good hands!
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