Pre-Admission Testing
Within 3 to 30 days prior to your procedure/surgery, a complete physical examination performed by a physician is required. Based on your age, previous medical history, and type of procedure scheduled, your surgeon will inform you of the tests that are necessary, including blood work, chest x-ray, and EKG. These tests aid both your physician and the nursing staff in planning for your individualized needs during and after surgery. 

Medications
If you are taking either prescribed or non-prescribed medications (over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins, herbals and supplements), it is important for you to talk to your doctor about specific instructions for each of your medicines.

If you are taking the following medications, carefully read this section and follow the instructions.

• Coumadin (Warfarin) or Persantine (Dipyridamole): Please alert your physician that you are taking these medications. Your doctor may want you to stop taking them before surgery and will advise you accordingly.

• Unless otherwise directed by your physician, two weeks before your procedure/surgery stop taking Parnate, Nardil, and Niamed, Morplan or any MAO inhibitor.

• Ten days before your procedure unless directed by your physician, stop taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, such as: Ecotrin, Ascriptin, Halfprin, Bufferin, Anacin, Advil, Nuprin, Motrin, Naprosyn, Aspirin, Feldene, Volterin and Excedrin.

• If you are taking steroids, such as Prednisone, on the morning of your procedure continue to take your usual dosage with a small sip of water.

• On the day of your procedure, continue to take your heart and blood pressure medications as directed with a sip of water.

• If you are an insulin dependent diabetic, do not take your insulin on the day of your procedure unless directed by your physician. If you are taking pills to treat your diabetes (e.g. Glucotrol, Diabinese, etc.) do not take them on the morning of your surgery.

• Do not take any medications that have not been prescribed by your physician, including narcotics, tranquilizers or antihistamines.

If you have any questions about medications, speak with your physician or the ambulatory surgery nursing staff.

More Guidelines
• If you are a smoker, stop smoking at least two weeks before your surgery in order to improve your lung function and recovery.

• If you develop a cold, fever, and/or rash, notify your surgeon prior to surgery. He or she may wish to postpone your procedure.

Clergy representing all faiths are affiliated with the Medical Center. Ask your nurse if you would like a pre or post surgery visit from either a member of the clergy or one of the Medical Center’s Pastoral Care volunteers. Every effort will be made to accommodate your request.

The Day Before Surgery
• To confirm your arrival and procedure times, call the Center on the day prior to your surgery between 2:00 and 6:00 pm at (914) 365-4930.  Because the Ambulatory Surgery Center is closed on weekends and major holidays, you will need to call the Center on Friday if your procedure is scheduled for Monday, or the day before a holiday if scheduled for the day following a holiday.

• To allow staff to monitor your circulation, remove nail polish preferably from nails that do not have acrylic tips or wraps.

• Unless otherwise instructed by your surgeon, do not eat or drink anything after midnight - do not drink water, chew gum or eat candy.

The Morning of Your Procedure
• Shower on the morning of your surgery. You may brush your teeth, but be careful not to swallow any water or mouthwash.

• Do not eat or drink anything.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Do not wear any makeup, including lipstick, mascara, eyeshadow, or blush.

• No jewelry, earrings, necklaces, or bracelets can be worn in the operating room, with the exception of your wedding band, which can be taped to your finger.

• Remove contact lenses including extended wear lenses prior to your procedure. Wear eye glasses on the day of your procedure or bring with you your contact lens’ case and saline solution.

• If you wear dentures or use a partial plate, you will be asked to remove these items prior to surgery. They will be labeled and safely stored in the nurses’ station until you return from surgery. 

• Do not bring any valuables, credit cards or large sums of money to the Medical Center. 

• Bring photo identification with you.

Upon your arrival to the Sound Shore Medical Center, report to the Fesjian Ambulatory Surgery Center located at 23 Washington Ave.  Sign in with the registrar and inquire about a free parking pass.

Health Care Agent
Required by New York State law, your nurse will ask you if you have appointed a Health Care Agent – a trusted family member or friend to decide about your treatment if you become unable to decide for yourself.  Information about health care proxies and forms are available at both the Ambulatory Surgery Center and from your physician. If you already have completed these documents, please bring them with you on the day of surgery.

After Surgery
You will not be discharged unless you are accompanied by a responsible adult to drive you home after your surgery.  Because IV anesthesia remains in the body for 24 hours, you can not take a taxi by yourself and you must have an adult remain with you for the 24 hour period post surgery.

One or two days after your surgery an Ambulatory Surgery Center staff member will call you to inquire about your recovery.  However, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call the Center at anytime at (914) 365-4930.