We want you to feel comfortable...

At Detroit Receiving, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible before, during and after any surgery you might require. To help you prepare for your surgery, please review the lists below. If you still have questions or concerns, call: (313) 745-3188.

• The Day Prior to Surgery
   
  
• The Evening Prior to Surgery
   
  
• Important Points to Remember
   
  
• When You Arrive
   
  
• During Surgery
   
  
• After Surgery
   
  

  The Day Prior to Surgery

  A member of our team will contact you the evening before your surgery to answer any questions you may have, confirm the time of your surgery and verify what medications you may be taking.

  If your surgery is on a Monday or the day after a holiday, please call the last working day prior to the surgery. At that time, if you have additional questions, we will be happy to answer them.

  Notify your surgeon of any change in your physical condition, such as a cold, fever, sore throat, rash or flu.

  Make arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you to Detroit Receiving on the day of your surgery and remain with you overnight. Your surgery will not be performed if a responsible adult does not drive you to and from the hospital and agree to stay with you overnight.

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  The Evening Prior to Surgery

  The following instructions are very important and MUST be followed. Otherwise, your surgery may be cancelled.

  1. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery including water, juice, coffee, chewing gum, mints, etc.
  2. Do not drink alcoholic beverages or take drugs unauthorized by your surgery team 48 hours prior to surgery.
  3. Do not smoke before or after your surgery. Smoking may cause anesthetic problems and increased carbon monoxide in the bloodstream.
  4. Do not take aspirin or aspirin products for one week prior to or after surgery, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you take Coumadin, Motrin, Ibuprofin, Vitamin E or other blood-thinners.
  5. If you are taking medication for breathing, seizure, heart disease or blood pressure, take them the morning of surgery with a small sip of water. If you use inhalers, bring them with you.
  6. Diabetics should not take any pills or insulin the morning of the procedure. If your surgery is scheduled for later in the day, the anesthesiologist will give further instructions.
  7. For your safety, the following must be removed:
     • All jewelry and body piercing
     • Contact lenses - including extended wear
     • Wigs, hairpins, hair clips
     • Make-up
     • Do not use lotions, gels, hairspray, cologne, perfume or powders. If your surgery is above your chest, do not use deodorant.
  8. If you feel you cannot comply with these guidelines, please call the preoperative nurses at (313) 745-3607 to discuss your concerns.

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  Important Points to Remember

  1. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
  2. Leave jewelry and valuables at home, including wedding rings, watches and money.
  3. Please bring your insurance card, an advanced directive or health care power of attorney and any applicable guardianship papers.
  4. A responsible adult must drive you to and from surgery and stay with you for the rest of the night.
  5. Leave your gown and slippers at home. They will be provided for you when you arrive.
  6. Prostheses, contact lenses, etc. will be removed before you enter the operating room. You may be asked to remove your dentures. They will be kept in a secure area for safekeeping and will be returned to you in the recovery room after surgery.
  7. You may wish to bring a pillow and a blanket for the ride home.

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  When You Arrive

  After you check in at the registration desk:

  1. You will be taken into an area where you will change into a patient gown and empty your bladder.
  2. You will be placed on a stretcher and a nurse will check your blood pressure, heart rate and temperature. An intravenous (IV) will be started and lab samples may be collected.
  3. Your anesthesiologist and nurse anesthetist will discuss the anesthetic plan with you.
  4. Medication to help you relax will be administered. It may make your mouth feel dry.
  5. Family members and friends may remain with you until you go into the operating room area.

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  During Surgery

  The family member or friend who brings you to surgery MUST wait in the surgical lounge during your surgery, otherwise your surgery may be delayed. The lounge offers refreshments and snacks for those waiting for you to recover.

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  After Surgery

  1. You will be taken to the Post Anesthesia Care unit (recovery) where you will receive special care while awakening from anesthesia. The doctor will notify your family members that you are in the recovery area.
  2. The registered nurse taking care of you will notify your family members when they may join you in the recovery area.
  3. When you have awakened and your blood pressure is stable, you may be discharged home (outpatient surgeries only).
  4. In the unlikely event that surgical or anesthetic procedures are unexpectedly prolonged or complicated, your doctor may arrange for regular hospital admission overnight.
  5. Expect to be drowsy the remainder of the day.
  6. Discharge instructions will be provided and any questions answered.
  7. After discharge, you will be taken to the exit in a wheelchair.
  8. Do not drive a car, sign legal documents, operate machinery, drink alcoholic beverages or use drugs not authorized by your surgery team for at least 24 hours after surgery.
  9. When you arrive home, please take it easy. Let your family members or friends wait on you. Make sure a responsible adult stays the night.
  10. The next working day after surgery, a nurse will telephone you to check on your progress.
  11. If you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding or a temperature greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, call your surgeon or immediately go to the emergency room.
  12. You will not be able to drive or return to work on the day of surgery.

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