Preparation and Instructions

Patients having surgery must have someone drive them home. Patients will not be allowed to drive.

Preparation for Surgery

Your physician will discuss your operation/procedure with you. Be sure to tell your physician about any medications you may be taking and ask whether or not you should take them on the day of surgery.

Pre-operative communication is important. We attempt to call each patient two weeks prior to your scheduled procedure. This phone call will contain specific instructions about the time you should arrive and how to handle any medications you might be taking. If you cannot be reached via phone, a message will be left to call us back at (703) 280-2841 ext 2046. It is important for you to receive your pre-operative instructions. Your surgery may be cancelled if we are unable to reach you.

If a change occurs in your physical condition prior to surgery such as a cold, rash, sore throat, cough, fever, or upset stomach, notify your physician. The doctor may wish to reschedule your surgery.

Pre-operative Instructions

Please wear comfortable clothing and leave all valuables at home, including jewelry. Contact lenses can cause problems, and patients will be asked to remove them. Bring regular glasses, lens cases, and/or spare contacts as appropriate. Body piercings, even at a distance away from the surgical site can produce problems and should be removed and left at home.

Procedures/Surgery will involve sedation or anesthesia. PLEASE DO NOT EAT ANY FOOD, CANDY OR GUM OR DRINK ANY LIQUIDS AFTER MIDNIGHT, the day before your scheduled appointment. Doing so creates a risk of severe, life threatening complications and may result in the cancellation of surgery. Many daily medications need to be continued on the day of surgery and may be taken with a sip of water; others may be omitted for the day without undue consequences. All should be discussed with the nurse in the pre-operative phone call.

Please do not bring laptops, cell phones or other expensive personal devices.

Day of Surgery

You should bring the following with you:

Insurance cards or forms and a valid Drivers license
Eye glass case (if you wear glasses)
Contact lens container (if you wear contacts)
A list of all medications you are taking.

You should wear loose, comfortable clothing and low-heeled shoes so it is easier to dress following your procedure.

Once you have registered, a member of the Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgical Center staff will escort you into the pre-operative suite, where you will be asked to change into a gown provided by the Center. Your clothing will be placed in a patient belongings bag and placed under your stretcher or given to your responsible party; that person may remain with you until time for your procedure to begin, if you desire.

We will take your vital signs at that time, and you will also speak with your anesthesiologist and surgeon. Just before going into the operating room, you may be asked to remove your contacts and any other prostheses. You will be in the pre-operative suite for about one hour prior to your surgery.

After your procedure is completed, you will be taken into the recovery area, where your designated responsible party will join you. Because space is limited, and for other clients privacy, we allow only one person to remain with you.

Juice, soda and crackers are provided for clients in the recovery suite. We ask that you please not bring any food items from home.

You may need to be admitted to the hospital if:

More extensive surgery is necessary
Complications arose due to the anesthesia
You experience more discomfort than expected

After Your Discharge

You will be specific written instructions regarding your care upon discharge from the Center. It is important to have your caregiver available during the post-operative discharge instructions, as you may experience difficulty remembering what was discussed, due to the anesthesia you received.

For your comfort and safety we recommend:

You have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours following surgery.
Take it easy until your physician says you can return to your normal routine.
Do not drive a car, operate machinery or power tools, drink alcoholic beverages or take any medications not prescribed by your physician for at least 24 hours following your procedure.
It is natural to experience some discomfort in the area following the procedure. You may also experience some drowsiness or dizziness for the first 24 hours depending on the type of anesthesia you receive.
Follow your physician’s instructions regarding diet, rest, and medication.
If you feel you are having problems after discharge, contact your physician.
Remember you must have a responsible person to drive you home.
Taxi transportation is allowed only if the patient is accompanied by a responsible person.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Center at (703) 280-2841 x 2046 from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.