Have questions?

Phone: 301-657-8200

Fax: 301-657-4121

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to visit the Center before surgery date?

No, you do not need to visit the Center before your surgery date.All patients will need an up-to-date medical history and physical form dated no more than 60 days prior to the date of the surgery. Some may need blood tests, EKG or x-rays. Your surgeon will advise where you will have this done.

What if I cannot make my appointment?
Please notify the surgeon and the Surgery Center as early as possible if you cannot make your scheduled appointment. Early notification can help us better accommodate you and other patients.

What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothing. Button-down shirts or blouses are best. Wear comfortable shoes. Leave all jewelry at home, including body-piercing jewelry. Please do not wear contact lenses, so consider bringing your glasses. Please do not wear any make-up as this can hide certain clinical signs.

Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery?
You refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery in order to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents during your surgery. This complication is very serious and you need to strictly abide by our recommendations. This has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting after your surgery as some think.

We have very clear policies as to specific times before surgery when you must refrain from eating and/or drinking. These are all based on safety standards. We believe that the fasting time should be as short as possible before your surgery. You will not improve your safety by not eating or drinking longer than necessary; in fact, at times you may complicate things a bit.

Should I take my usual daily medication?
We generally request that you take your medication before leaving home. Diabetic medications will be individualized. If you are taking insulin injections your instructions are as follows: Short acting insulin hold, intermediate 1/2 dose in the morning, long acting if you take one dose take 1/2 in the morning.  If long is taken twice, once in the morning and once at night, please hold day of prior to surgery.  We will usually hold diabetic medicines and manage your sugar at the Center.  Please bring a list of all your medications with you.  Please monitor your blood sugar as scheduled.

People using inhalers must bring them to the Center on the day of surgery.

Some medications will be stopped for the surgery.  Please discuss with the prescriber and surgeon regarding your blood thinners.

May I continue my herbal medications?
Herbal medications may have harmful effects on the surgery. Many of these remedies may effect your clotting mechanism and interfere with the anesthetic agents. (The list of drugs and their side effects are too great for this site.) We generally request that you stop these medications two weeks before surgery. Please remember to mention these remedies when being asked about medication.

Who may accompany me?
You are welcome to bring one escort with you to the Center. That person may walk you to the door, but due to COVID restrictions, will not be able to wait in the facility unless deemed necessary.

Please refrain from bringing young children to the Center as guests.

Will I receive sedation before going into the operating room?
We will individualize each patient’s care.

Will I be contacted before my surgery?
Yes you will receive an automated message with pre-op instructions.

Should I bathe and wash my hair before leaving home?
Yes. You can comfortably take a shower, bathe, brush your teeth, etc. Please do not use make up, hair spray, nail polish or toiletries. These may interfere with the anesthesia monitoring and possibly hide clinical signs from the anesthesiologist.

What should I do if I am not feeling well?
If you are not feeling well, please contact your surgeon immediately. During normal business hours, you can call the Center for advice. There are some surgeries which are safer if delayed when you are sick. We need to know specific details to make the decision. Please do not delay in contacting your surgeon or the Center.

What should I do if I believe that I am pregnant?
It is very important for us to be aware of this possibility.

May I drive home?
Any patient having surgery or receiving sedation should not drive until the next day. All patient receiving sedation for a procedure need a ride home.

All patients should have a ride home whether receiving sedation or not and will be received by a responsible adult when they arrive home. Patients will not be allowed to drive, walk or take public transportation after sedation or anesthesia. Please make the appropriate arrangements.

May I speak to my anesthesiologist before the surgery?
All patients will be seen by the anesthesiologist on the day of surgery prior to entering the operating room. Sufficient time should be spent to answer any questions you may have. If you need to speak to the anesthesiologist before the day of surgery, you are welcome to call the Center and we will arrange for you speak with an anesthesiologist. We can also arrange a preoperative interview if you desire. You could also email your questions.

What if I have special needs?
We will make every effort to accommodate any special need you may have. We strongly encourage you to call the Surgery Center in advance so that we can properly prepare to make you comfortable. Do not hesitate to call and suggest anything that may make your day easier.

Should I bring my special needs equipment?
Yes. Please bring any walkers, post-op crutches, hearing aids, etc.

What must I bring with me on the day of surgery?

  • Bring case for eyeglasses or contacts. Bring the eye kit if you were provided one by the surgeons office.
  • Bring insurance identification cards, driver’s license, completed billing forms, copayments
  • Bring all eyedrops, inhalers, insulin pens and a list of medications
  • Make sure you have a ride home and someone to care for you at home
  • Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing
  • Leave all jewelry and valuables at home

How will my pain be managed?
The management of your pain is of great importance to us. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission and throughout your visit. We need to inform and prepare you for each step of the process. This education will begin with our first contact. You will be asked to rate your pain before and after using a numerical pain scale.  Using the results of our communication we will alter the therapy as needed in order to assure your comfort.

The management of your pain will be taken very seriously. We will often use a combination of different modalities to help make you comfortable, choosing from oral medications, intravenous medications, nerve blocks, injection of local anesthetic during the surgery, etc. and prior to the surgery, the management of your pain should be discussed with both your anesthesiologist and surgeon. Please feel free to bring up any concerns or fears you may have. Remember that information on pain management gives you the appropriate expectations and hence a smoother, more comfortable recovery.

May I request what type of anesthesia I will receive?
Yes, in certain situations. Some operations can be performed using a choice of different anesthetic types. Your anesthesiologist will discuss available options with you after reviewing your medical history. Your preference will be discussed so that the most appropriate anesthetic plan is made.

Will I receive any sedatives before surgery?
You and your anesthesiologist will develop an anesthetic care plan.

What are the risks of anesthesia?
All operations and all anesthetics have risks and they are dependent upon many factors including the type of surgery and the medical condition of the patient. Most patients operated on in surgery centers are of the healthier group of patients, and in these circumstances serious complications, while they can occur, are fortunately very rare.