What to Expect Before Surgery

We know you had a choice when deciding where to have your surgery, and we are very proud that you chose our program.

At Coast Surgery Center, we are committed to providing you with the best quality care in a friendly and comfortable environment. Following are some things you can do to help you prepare for your surgery.

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Facility Access

FACE MASK required for entry
If you have been ill within the past 24hrs, or have a fever of 101°F or above, please do not enter the facility. Call (858) 268-3566 for further instruction.

Secure key card access. Upon your arrival, please call the receptionist at (858) 268-3566 to meet you at the front door.

All individuals will be screened prior to entering the facility.

Typically, only the patient is allowed access to the building. Exceptions may be made for the following:

caregiver
patient aid
attendant
interpreter
authorized legal advisor

Pre-Operative Testing

Many patients are required to have tests prior to surgery. You will receive instructions and orders for pre-operative testing from your surgeon.

Tests may include:
– Laboratory work
– EKG
– Chest X-ray

Please have all test results faxed to Coast Surgery Center at 858.268.4682 (fax) prior to the date of your surgery.

Note: All patients are required to be covid tested prior to their date of service regardless of vaccination status.

Diet

Preparing for Surgery

Please arrive at the center one hour prior to your scheduled surgery time, unless instructed otherwise by surgery center personnel. If possible, on the day of surgery, remain at a phone where you can be reached. Please bring any orders from your doctor, X-rays or other items to be used at the center.

A consent form will be signed upon your arrival. If a patient is under the age of 18, the consent must be signed by a parent or guardian. A parent or guardian must remain at the center until their child is discharged. If you are a conservator for a patient, please bring copies of your medical power of attorney. Once you have been registered, you will be admitted to the pre-operative area where you will be prepared for surgery by a nurse and assessed by an anesthesiologist.

Typically, only the patient is allowed access to the building. Exceptions may be made for the following:

caregiver
patient aid
attendant
interpreter
authorized legal advisor

Dress

Time of Stay

Post-Op Restrictions

If you are having an anesthetic, you must have a responsible adult to remain with you the first 24 hours following surgery.

You may feel dizzy or drowsy after your surgery. You will receive post-operative instructions from your doctor prior to leaving the center. Follow these instructions carefully. If you have problems after returning home, call your doctor’s office.

A nurse from Coast Orthopedic Surgery Center will contact you at the phone number you assigned to check in on you the following business day after your procedure. Please address any concerns at that time.

If there is an emergency, DO NOT wait for the nurse to contact you! Call 911 or have a responsible adult drive you to the nearest emergency room.

Please follow your post-operative instructions. Should you have any additional questions, please consult your physician.

Your Anesthesia

Prior to surgery, you’ll meet with your anesthesiologist who will explain your anesthesia to you.

If you require only local anesthesia, you’ll be able to leave the Center within one-half hour after the completion of surgery unless otherwise ordered by your physician. If you receive sedation, general or regional anesthesia during your procedure, you’ll need one to two hours of rest following surgery before you are discharged. While surgery times may vary, every effort will be made to give you an accurate account of your discharge time.

With general anesthesia or sedation, it is normal for you to feel a little drowsy for two or more hours after the procedure. Therefore, do not sign any legal documents, drive an automobile or operate machinery for at least 24 hours following surgery. Important decisions affecting health or finances should be delayed as well, until the day after surgery.