Ambulatory Surgery Center

 

The Ambulatory Surgery Center at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital – Forbes Regional Campus

 

Welcome to the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital – Forbes Regional Campus.  Our Ambulatory Surgery Center has the expertise and capabilities to perform most types of surgery and related procedures, including those in the following specialties: 

• General Surgery
• Orthopedics
• Ear, Nose and Throat
• Ophthalmology
• Neurosurgery
• Gynecology
• Pediatrics
• Podiatry
• Plastic Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Urology
• Cardiopulmonary
• Oral Surgery 

 

It is our goal to make your visit as pleasant and comfortable as possible.  If you are scheduled for a procedure at our facility, the information below will help address some of the questions and concerns you may have regarding your surgery.

If you have additional questions or need further information, please feel free to call us at 412-858-2602.

Before You Have Surgery

 

You must have your preoperative testing completed before the day of surgery.  Two to three days prior to your surgery, you will be called and asked to complete a health history form with a pre-assessment nurse.  Please feel free to ask questions and discuss any special needs at this time.

 

It is important to also let us know about any past or present illnesses or surgeries and if you are currently taking any medications.  All herbal medications and vitamins should not be taken at least seven days before surgery.  We will need to know about any allergies you may have, including latex allergies.

 

Should you develop a cold, fever or respiratory problem in the days prior to surgery, please notify your doctor and the Pre-assessment office.  The office is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and can be reached by calling 412-858-2828.

If any of your preoperative testing was performed at another facility, please have that information faxed to the Pre-assessment office at 412-858-2989 at least three days prior to your scheduled day of surgery.  If possible, please bring a copy of the information with you the morning of surgery (i.e. CT, chest X-ray, EKG or lab results).

The Day Before Surgery

 

Follow these general instructions and any special instructions from your surgeon:

• Do not eat or drink anything (including gum, candy, mints or water) after midnight the day before surgery unless instructed otherwise.
• Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours before surgery.
• Stop smoking at least 12 hours before surgery.

The Day of Surgery

 

• Bring a responsible adult with you to drive you home, unless instructed otherwise by the pre-assessment nurse. 

• Before coming to the hospital, remove all make-up, fingernail and toenail polish, jewelry and body piercing. 

• Do not bring any valuables or money to the hospital. 

• Bring all medications you take, in their original containers. 

• Remove contact lenses, unless instructed otherwise.  Please bring your contact lens container, solutions and eyeglasses. 

• You will be asked to remove hairpieces, hair pins, hearing aids, tampons, prostheses, glasses and dentures prior to surgery. 

• If the patient is a minor (under 18 years of age), a parent or legal guardian must accompany the child.  You may bring the child’s favorite toy, blanket, bottle or drinking cup (if needed) and socks with you. 

• Complete any preparation ordered by your surgeon before coming to the hospital (i.e. enema, diet, etc.). 

• Please bathe or shower with antibacterial soap the morning of surgery.  Wear cotton underwear.  If your procedure is located above the waist, you may be permitted to keep underwear on during surgery.

• Make sure you arrive at the specified time you are given, generally two hours before surgery, to allow sufficient time for admission procedures.  Upon arrival, stop at the registration desk for verification of information. 

• When it is time to begin the process of your procedure, a staff member will escort you to a room to change your clothes and prepare you for surgery.  If you have not completed your pre-testing or need further testing, it will be completed at this time.  You will speak to an anesthesiologist and sign a consent form to be administered anesthesia.  You will also sign a consent form for your operation if you have not already done so in your surgeon’s office.

• An intravenious (IV) line will be started so that you can receive fluids and medications.  Any other orders will be completed at this time.  Family members will be able to see you before you are taken to the Operating Room.  One family member is permitted at a time to ensure privacy for you and your roommate.

 

Instructions for Family During Surgery 

 

While you are in the Operating Room, your family should remain in the family waiting room until they speak with your doctor.  At that time, they can go to the cafeteria.  If you are staying overnight, your family will remain in the Ambulatory Surgery Center waiting room until your room is assigned.  It may be an extended period of time before a room is available.  If this is the case, family members will be permitted to see you in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).  If you are an outpatient going home, your family will be permitted to be with you when you return to the Ambulatory Surgery Center.  Due to space constraints, only one family member will be permitted at a time.  We ask that an adult accompany children under the age of 14 at all times while inside the hospital.

Following Surgery

Depending on your procedure and the type of anesthesia used, you may recover in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) or return directly to the Ambulatory Surgery Center following surgery.

 

When you have met the requirements for discharge, a nurse will review with you what you should do in the days ahead.

 

The most important thing for you to do during the first 24 hours is follow your surgeon’s instructions, especially regarding diet, medications and getting plenty of rest.  A nurse from the Ambulatory Surgery Center will call you during the next working day to check on your progress.  In the meantime, if you have any questions or experience any difficulties, don’t hesitate to call your doctor or go to the closest emergency room.

Everyone at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital – Forbes Regional Campus Ambulatory Surgery Center hopes that your experience is as pleasant and convenient for you as possible. We wish you the best of health in the future!

 

Ambulatory Surgery Center

412-858-2602  

4:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

Pre-assessment Office

412-858-2828  

6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

 

The Western Pennsylvania Hospital – Forbes Regional Campus

412-858-2000  

Main number answers 24 hours a day.


 

Last Updated: August 26, 2008