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Home > Procedure Information
BEFORE SURGERY or PROCEDURE
 1.) Notify your surgeon before coming to the center if there is any change in your physical condition, such as a cold, fever, or a wound near your surgery site.
2.)A preoperative assessment is mandatory, except for pain management procedures. One of our nurses will take time prior to your surgery/procedure to conduct a preoperative assessment.
3.)If you wear contact lenses, glasses, or removeable dentures and bridgework please bring a case for their safekeeping.
4.)If you are scheduled for surgery with anesthesia you may have clear liquids up to two hours prior to your surgery. (clear liquids are only water, apple juice, black tea/coffee without cream or milk). No solids should be eaten within 8 hours of surgery. Childrens formula should not be ingested 6 hours nor breast milk 4 hours prior to surgery. Failure to strictly adhere to these instructions may result in cancellation or delay of your surgery.
5.) Discontinue taking all herbal products 10 days prior to your surgery unless otherwise directed by your physician/surgeon.
DAY OF SURGERY or PROCEDURE
 1.)It is your responsibility to arrange in advance for a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. You cannot drive yourself, be left alone, or leave the facility in a taxi.
2.)Please bathe or shower prior to your surgery. Remove all makeup. Do not use lotions or oils after bathing.
3.)Wear comfortable shoes and loose fitting clothing such as sweat suits and easy to button shirts or blouses that are big enough to accommodate a large bandage after surgery.
4.)Leave all valuables, including jewelry and cash, at home. The center cannot be responsible for damaged or lost property.
5.)A nurse will provide you with a patient gown. A locker will be provided to secure your belongings. We will also check your temperature, blood pressure and pulse and ask you to empty your bladder before your surgery.
6.)If our schedule permits, our nurses may allow one family member to wait with you after you have been prepared for surgery. We must provide for all our patients privacy, so this may not be possible.
7.)Bring a list of medications with you to the center.
AFTER SURGERY or PROCEDURE
 1.)Before you leave the Center, you will be given written instructions for your care at home.
2.)After you have returned home, be sure to follow your doctor’s orders regarding diet, rest, medication and activity. It is not unusual to feel a little sleepy, lightheaded or dizzy for several hours after your operation/procedure. Do not sign any important papers or make any significant decisions for at least 24 hours. Do not drive a car, smoke, drink alcoholic beverages or operate machinery for 24 hours after surgery.
3.)If you have any questions or problems after surgery, please contact your doctor. For after emergency care after hours call 911 or contact your physicians service.
4.)A nurse from Pioneer Valley Surgicenter will phone you the day after surgery to see how you are and answer any additional questions you might have.
If you need to cancel your appointment, as a courtesy, please call the Center at 413-788-9700 at least 2 days prior to your scheduled surgery/procedure date.
You’ll receive a call from the Center between 12:00p.m. and 5:30p.m. one day before your scheduled surgery to confirm your arrival time, preparation instructions and to address your questions or concerns. Monday patients will be called the prior Friday afternoon.
CHILDREN
 At Pioneer Valley Surgicenter, we meet the special needs of children by creating a relaxed, comfortable environment. To make children feel more at home, we encourage you to bring along a favorite toy or blanket.
We also encourage parents to discuss the surgery with the child beforehand to help alleviate unnecessary stress. You can schedule a tour of the center with your child by calling 413-788/9700. Parents are able to stay with their children until surgery and may rejoin the child soon after they are admitted into recovery. We ask that one parent remain at the surgery center until the child is discharged. We also recommend upon discharge that one adult drives home while another cares for the child.
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