New Hanover Regional Medical Center
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My Surgery

ON THE DAY OF SURGERY, you will check in with our receptionist and complete your registration paperwork. Please bring:

  • Insurance cards
  • Photo identification
  • my surgeryMarriage certificates, divorce documents or other legal documentation for all patients with name changes
  • Birth certificate, foster papers or adoption papers for any minor not accompanied by a legal guardian
  • A copy of your power of attorney for health care or other legal documentation

THINGS TO DO:

  • Take medications with sips of water in the morning, only as directed by your physician and/or the pre-admission nurse. Don't swallow water when brushing your teeth
  • Bring all medications in their original bottles to the surgical center
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that are easy to put on and take off
  • Leave all valuables and jewelry at home, including body piercings.
  • You must be accompanied by a licensed driver, 18 or older, to take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours after your procedure
  • Please bring any notes from your physician. (This includes notes from your medical doctor, specialist or other physician you were told to see before surgery.)
  • If you suspect that you are pregnant, please notify your surgeon. Anesthesia and certain medications may be harmful to the developing fetus
  • Remember to bring anything that your doctor or the pre-admission nursing staff has instructed you to bring (inhalers, special braces, etc).

CHILDREN'S SURGERIES

  • It can be helpful to bring your child's favorite toy, blanket or book, to help them relax and keep them entertained.
  • Also remember to bring diapers and a bottle or sippee cup. (Please note: On the day of surgery, one parent must remain in the center at all times.)
  • Be assured that we will take extra care with you and your child. Unlike adults, most children under the age of 10 can be safely put to sleep using an oxygen mask and an anesthetic gas.
  • For most procedures, an IV can be placed after your child is completely asleep. This IV will remain in place throughout the surgery and until discharge in order for us to administer any medications for pain and nausea.
  • Although you will not be with your child while they are being sedated, you will be able to stay with him/ her up until the time he/she is taken to the operating room.
  • Most children will go to a recovery room following their surgery and will remain there for approximately 30-45 minutes. Parents will be reunited with their child as soon as possible. Please feel free to discuss your concerns and ask questions of our staff at any time.

GOING HOME

  • Your nurse will review your new medicines, diet and how to follow up with your doctor
  • You should expect to have some pain. Your nurse can provide pain medications, if needed. Some nausea and vomiting is expected as some medicines given for anesthesia cause nausea. If you continue with nausea and vomiting lasting longer than 24 hours, call your physician
  • Remember: You must have a licensed driver, 18 years or older, to take you home and someone at home who will look after you for the first 24 hours after your procedure
  • If you are sedated during your procedure, you may feel drowsy the remainder of the day. Do not drive, operate machinery, make major decisions or drink alcohol for 24 hours following surgery, or as long as you are taking prescription pain medications
  • If you have questions after you return home, call VitaLine at 910.815.5188 or 1.888.815.5188. A registered nurse is available to answer your questions 24 hours a day. You may also call your physician.
  • Your recovery depends on your involvement in your own care. Write down any questions you may have about your surgery.  Ask these questions of your doctor or nurse.
  • Inspect your surgical site daily. Signs and symptoms to report to your doctor or nurse include redness and pain around the area where you had surgery; drainage of cloudy fluid from your surgical wound; fever.
  • Be sure to wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitize. Studies have shown that frequent, thorough hand washing among employees, visitors and patients can break the chain of transmission of germs, thus lowering infection rates.
  • Flu Restrictions and Family Illness
    Family members who are sick with fever, flu or a contagious illness should avoid visiting the center. For more information on the flu, visit www.nhrmc.org or www.flu.gov.

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