How to prepare for surgery
Throughout the entire process we hope to put your fears at ease by telling you exactly what to expect. If you are scheduled for surgery, you will receive specific instructions that will let you know whether or not you will need to have any tests prior to your surgery, like X-rays or blood tests. You will also be instructed on what and when you can and cannot eat leading up to the procedure.
Every surgery is unique, of course, but here’s generally what to expect leading up to your procedure:
- You will be contacted by a member of the Henry Ford Patient Services Department to confirm your procedure and to answer any last-minute questions you might have.
- You will meet your surgery team including the surgeons, nurses and anesthesiologists.
- You will prep for the procedure. This includes:
- Briefly discussing your medical history and current medical condition.
- Reviewing any allergies or past experiences with anesthesia.
- An overview of the surgery you have planned.
- You may receive antibiotics or pain medications as part of your individualized surgery plan.
- The anesthesiology team will explain what to expect with anesthesia and make sure you are all set for the operating room.
After-surgery care
There is a lot of build-up to having surgery, but a big part of a successful outcome happens as part of your after-surgery care and as you recover.
Here what to expect following your procedure:
- You will be taken to a recovery room and monitored by our Post-Anesthesia Care Unit team.
- If your procedure requires an overnight stay or recovery in the hospital, you will be transferred to a general hospital room for continued recovery before discharge.
- The Anesthesiology team will help with you pain management, discuss your experience and provide additional post-surgery requirements.
