Ambulatory Surgery
Ambulatory Surgery is also known as One-Day Surgery or Outpatient Surgery. It covers all surgeries and procedures that do not require an overnight hospital stay. If you are having a one-day procedure at one of ECHN's hospitals, here is some information you should know.
Preparing For Your Procedure
We are pleased that you've chosen the Ambulatory Surgery Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital (MMH) or the One Day Surgery Center at Rockville General Hospital (RGH) for your surgery. To assist in preparing for this ambulatory surgery/procedure and to make your stay as comfortable as possible, we ask you to read and follow these instructions.
We want your experience to be excellent!
Food, Drink and Medication
Do not take any herbal or diet medications prior to surgery. It is recommended that you stop using these two (2) weeks before surgery. It is also important to let your surgeon know if you have a condition called "sleep apnea." If you have this condition, please bring a copy of your sleep study and any equipment you use to manage it.
Make a list of your prescription medicines, including the name(s), dosages, and prescribing doctor(s). Have the list of medicines handy, so that you can refer to them when we call you. Click here to download a handy Wallet Medicine Card, which you can use to record your medications.
- Drink no alcohol for 24 hours before your procedure.
- You may eat lightly the night before, but do not eat solid foods after midnight.
- Between midnight and four (4) hours before your procedure, you may have up to 8 ounces of water, black coffee, or black tea (no milk or cream).
- Four (4) hours before your procedure, do not ingest anything - this includes chewing gum, candy or mints.
Please follow these instructions very carefully. Also, when you arrive for your surgery, be sure to tell your nurse or doctor if you accidentally ate or drank anything that you shouldn't have.
Pre-Admission Testing
If your surgeon schedules blood work or other tests before your procedure, there are several places where you can have the tests performed. Click here to view the many convenient locations where ECHN offers outpatient testing services.
Phone Calls You Will Receive
A few days prior to surgery, you will receive a phone call from the preadmission testing scheduler who will confirm your contact information, answer questions you may have and schedule any preadmission tests that the doctor has ordered.
You may also receive a call from the patient access personnel to confirm your insurance information and discuss any co-pays you may have.
Before You Arrive at the Hospital
You should shower or bathe the night before surgery and the morning of with antimicrobial soap before coming to the hospital. We recommend Hibiclens® (Chlorhexidine Gluconate). This soap may be purchased over-the-counter at local stores.
Expect to be repeatedly asked specific questions, such as your name, date of birth, allergies, the surgical procedure you are having, and the site of that procedure. Remember this is done for your safety - please do not be frustrated or concerned with the repetition.
Arrival
Ambulatory Surgery Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital: Plan to be at the Ambulatory Services Center (ASC) 1½ hours before your surgery is scheduled. Use the Guard Street entrance. Guard Street is off of Haynes Street toward the Emergency Room entrance. Complementary valet parking at the entrance of the ASC is available.
Click here for directions to MMH.
One Day Stay Unit at Rockville General Hospital: Plan to be at the One Day Surgery Unit 1½ hours before your scheduled surgery time. Use the outpatient entrance off of Union Street. (do not park in the Emergency Room parking lot.) Complementary Valet Parking at this entrance is available.
Click here for directions to RGH.
Please be aware that the time you've been assigned is approximate, and that procedures before yours can be cancelled or run late for any number of reasons. If this happens, we'll call you to adjust your arrival time.
What to Wear and Bring to the Hospital
- Wear loose-fitting clothing or a sweat suit for comfort and convenience. A top that zips or buttons up the front might be easiest to put on after your procedure.
- Do not use cosmetics, makeup, or hair spray.
- Leave jewelry, money, cell phone and other valuables at home. The hospital cannot be responsible for such items.
Plan to bring with you:
- If you have not been able to pre-register for your procedure, please bring a valid insurance card at the time of pre-admission testing or on the day of surgery.
- Bring any prescription drugs that you were instructed to take to the hospital.
- Bring your prescription medication list.
- Bring storage cases for eyeglasses, contact lenses, or dentures, since you will need to remove these items before surgery. Please wear glasses instead of contacts, if possible.
Preparation
Check in with the receptionist when you arrive. If you haven't registered during your pre-admission tests, you'll do so now and will be directed to the Patient Access area.
If your insurance requires co-payment for this procedure and you did not pay by credit card over the phone, a representative of the Patient Access Department will visit you in the pre-op area on the day of your surgery.
You will be asked to complete necessary paperwork, which includes authorization for the hospital to release information to your insurance company. Be sure to bring a valid insurance card. In the case of minors (under 18 years of age), a parent or guardian must accompany the patient.
Next, you'll go to the preoperative area. Visitors are limited in this area to assure the privacy of our patients.
You will be asked to change into hospital clothing and will have your blood pressure, pulse and temperature taken. Any prescribed medications will be given.
A nurse will also place an "IV" or intravenous line in your lower arm. This is a needle-like tube that supplies your body with medications and fluids throughout the surgery.
At this time you will be asked to verify the planned surgical procedure and the site of that procedure. We will ask you to draw an arrow at the operative site, using a special pen.
An anesthesiologist will see you to review your medical history and to discuss your anesthesia care. If you have any questions regarding your anesthesia care, please call the ECHN anesthesia providers at 860-646-1222, ext. 2394.
Your Procedure
A member of our surgical team will then escort you to the operating room. Throughout your procedure, a dedicated team of doctors and nurses will constantly monitor you, using blood pressure and other special equipment.
We encourage you to ask questions that you may have each step of the way. We are here to provide you with the needed comfort, understanding and reassurance throughout your surgical experience.
AFTER YOUR SURGERY
After your procedure you will be taken to a recovery area where you will be monitored by the nursing staff. The length of stay in this area will be determined by the type of procedure and anesthetic that you received.
When you're ready, we'll move you to an area with reclining chairs, where a friend or relative may join you. You'll stay in the recovery area until the medical team decides that you can be discharged. You may be able to eat a light snack - clear liquids and crackers or toast. Consume only light foods for the rest of the day.
We will carefully evaluate you for post-operative pain. Because you have had surgery, some discomfort is to be expected. A 1-10 pain rating scale will be explained preoperatively and the scale will be used throughout your stay.
When you are ready for discharge, the nurse will instruct you about your care at home. Since it is not unusual to feel sleepy or dizzy after anesthesia, you must not drink alcohol, drive, or make important decisions for 24 hours. Once home, follow the instructions given to you by the nurse and your surgeon. Be sure to contact your surgeon with any problems or changes in your condition.
Amenities for Escorts and Visitors
Manchester Memorial Hospital: Escorts and visitors may wait for patients in the Center's upper lounge level. Be sure to remind your guests of our valet parking which is free of charge. On the lower level, the center also features a gift shop, coffee shop and a play area for children. There's a visitor lounge as well with a television and magazines. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on ECHN property—inside or out.
Rockville General Hospital: Escorts and visitors may wait for patients in the waiting room on the first floor. Be sure to remind your guests of our complimentary valet parking. A gift shop and coffee shop is located on the lower floor. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on ECHN property—inside or out.