The Day of Surgery

Check-In
On the day of surgery, please arrive at the hospital at least two hours before your scheduled procedure, unless your physician has directed you to arrive earlier. Everyone who enters the hospital is required to show photo identification.  Please stop by the Information Desk located in the main lobby to check in for further directions.

Surgical Reception
After you are checked in, a staff member will help you change into a hospital gown, robe and slippers.

You may wear your eyeglasses, but please refrain from wearing contact lenses. If you wear dentures, they may need to be removed before surgery. Hearing aids may be worn during surgery, in most cases. Please leave all jewelry and valuables at home. GW Hospital will not be responsible for loss or theft of personal belongings.

Waiting Room
The person(s) accompanying you should sign in and wait in the Surgical Reception area on the first floor. This way, your physician and staff members can locate him/her and provide updates on your progress.

Because space is limited, we ask that you please keep the number of accompanying visitors to a minimum. If possible, do not have children accompany you on the day of surgery.

Operating Room
From the Surgical Preoperative area, you will be escorted to an operating room where an operating room nurse will interview you. An intravenous line will be placed in your vein to provide fluids. In most cases, you will be given the opportunity to see your surgeon and anesthesiologist before your surgery begins. You will be interviewed and possibly examined by the surgical team. We may repeat questions that have already been answered. Please be patient with our process as we work hard to ensure the safest, most thorough surgical course for you. A registered nurse will stay with you for your entire surgical procedure.

In the operating room, the staff will make you comfortable on the table. You will notice lights over your head and staff dressed in scrubs, hats and masks.

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit
Following surgery, you will be taken to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). You will be monitored until the major effects of anesthesia wear off. Patients require privacy and attention in the PACU. For this reason, visiting is not permitted. Visitors may see you once you are settled in your hospital room or prepared for discharge (if scheduled for the same day).

If you are scheduled to be discharged on the same day as your operation, you should expect to stay in the Outpatient Recovery Area for about 90 minutes, depending on your needs. When a nurse determines that you are ready, you will receive written and verbal discharge instructions, prescriptions if prescribed, a beverage and an escort to the lobby. Please remember: If you are scheduled for outpatient surgery and undergo general anesthesia or sedation of any kind, a responsible adult must escort you home.

For patients who are scheduled to stay overnight or for an extended period of time, a nurse will monitor your recovery. After evaluation by an anesthesiologist, you will be transferred to your hospital room at which time your visitors may join you.

Pain Management
You have the right to receive care aimed at the prevention and management of pain.

You will be asked to rate your pain on a scale of 0 to 10 with 0 being equivalent to no pain and 10 being equivalent to the worst possible pain.

Tell your doctor or nurse if your pain is not relieved. Effective pain management is essential to the healing process.

Waiting for a Cath Lab, Endoscopy or Interventional Radiology Patient
Family or friends of endoscopy patients will see their loved ones at discharge. Please ask the Family Liaison or Front Desk staff for updates.

Patients having procedures in the Cardiac Cath Lab will have to stay in the recovery area for three to six hours. See the Family Liaison or Front Desk staff about updates/visitation.

Post-procedure recovery times vary widely for patients coming from the Interventional Radiology Lab. See the Family Liaison or Front Desk staff for more information.

After Hours
After the waiting room desk is closed, a courtesy phone will be placed on the desk with a four-digit number to dial for information on postoperative patients.