What goes on in the two hours prior to surgery?

Question

Now I understand every facility will vary, but I was wondering what actually happens prior to surgery. I am scheduled for 7am surgery with instructions to arrive at 5am. I know the obvious two which are to pay the facility and get an IV, but what else goes on? Why two hours early? Will my boyfriend be allowed to stay with me until I am actually brought back to surgery?

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

In the time prior to surgery, there are many preparations to
be completed.This includes taking your history,
placing an IV, and signing the appropriate consent forms.I wish you the best of luck.

Jonathan Saunders, MD · Answer

my guess is that you are also going to a facility that has more than one room starting at seven. in that case everyone descends on the facility at the same time and they all have to be dealt with. please do not be one of those patients who show up at 630. actually our facility has people show up 90 min preop and if they are 20 min late they are cancelled. in our facility family can stay with the patient

Francisco Amaya, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

It takes a lot of time to have a patient ready for surgery, everything has to be in order, from administration to the or, and of course the patient. This is to avoid errors.

Joseph W. Aguiar, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

That is a great question!  I know it seems a little over kill, but there is good reason.  Getting a patient, OR, anesthesia, instruments, consents, payment, and staffing ready for surgery is much like putting on a Broadway play.  There are a lot of moving pieces that have to be done in a certain order.  Lots of i's to dot and t's to cross.  All the members of the team have to have time to do their part in order to make sure it's all done accurately for your safety.You will probably be surprised how quickly the time goes by.  Each facility has different rules, but most of the time your guest is permitted to stay with you until you go back to surgery.At least you don't have to wait until afternoon without eating and drinking all day.  Those early morning surgery start times are coveted by my patients. :-)Good luck and I hope everything goes great for you.

What goes on in the two hours prior to surgery?

Answers (4)

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