Before your surgery
- A nurse from the center will contact you at least 24 hours before your scheduled procedure. If you have not been contacted, please call us at (402) 691-1575.
- Please notify your surgeon if there is a change in your physical condition, such as a cold, fever, or respiratory problems.
- Do not eat or drink anything 8 hours before your procedure, including water, gum, or candy. If your child is the patient, please be careful to enforce this. Additionally, please follow any other instructions your surgeon may have given you.
- Please be sure to tell your surgeon and a nurse at our center if you are taking any type of blood thinners. Please do not take any medications after midnight unless instructed by your surgeon, a nurse at our center, or your primary care doctor.
- For your safety, failure to follow these instructions may result in the cancellation of your outpatient procedure.
- If you are driving for more than 30 minutes, put 1-2 pillows in your car so you can elevate the operative extremity.
On the day of the surgery
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is big enough to accommodate any bandages you may have after your procedure. Wear comfortable shoes such as slip-ons, not high heels. Do not wear any jewelry (including body piercings), makeup, or cologne.
- Bring your driver’s license, insurance cards, pre-registration paperwork, and procedure payment with you.
- Wearing contact lenses is not advised. Please wear your glasses, as you may have forms to review and sign.
- We do provide containers for removable dentures & bridgework.
- You will need to change into a surgical gown and only cotton underwear can be worn.
- Female patients will need to give a pre-operative urine sample for a pregnancy test.
- Unless your physician tells you to bring crutches, they are not necessary as you will be taken to your car in a wheelchair.
- Please limit the number of family or friends who will come with you, as seating is limited.
After your surgery
- After your outpatient surgery, you will be discharged to your car by wheelchair. You must have an adult who is at least 19 years of age present to drive you home and care for you following your procedure if anesthesia has been administered.
- Your physician will provide post-operative instructions regarding diet, rest, exercise, and medications. You will be provided with a written summary of these discharge instructions, so plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
- If preferred, a nurse from our center will call you the day after your procedure to check on your progress and discuss any questions you might have. If unexpected problems arise, please contact your surgeon at the number provided in the discharge instructions given to you. If he or she does not respond, please go to the nearest emergency room.
Learning what to expect during your procedure at the Outpatient Surgical Specialties Center (OSSC) will help you fully prepare beforehand. Contact our team if you need more information about our outpatient surgery services in Omaha, NE!