Planning for Surgery

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery, unless otherwise instructed by our office. In addition, you will receive instructions regarding the use of your regular medication. These medications may be taken with a sip of water, but this should not exceed the amount of water necessary to comfortably swallow the medication.

Yes, after any type of anesthesia or sedation, you will need to have someone available to take you home.  You will not be able to drive, walk, or take public transportation.  You may need to make arrangements for  a responsible adult to stay with your during the first 24 hours after surgery.

If you are accompanying a child in your car, you must have another adult with you at the time of discharge.

Occasionally, patients may receive local anesthesia alone, with no sedation.  Under these circumstances, it may be possible for you to drive home.  Check with your doctor first, or call us at (845) 473-6144 to verify this.

It is very important that certain medications are taken before surgery, while others should be avoided.  You will receive preoperative instructions from the surgeon’s office explaining which medications you should take on the day of your surgery.  Please do not stop taking any medications unless told to do so by your doctor or the nurse from Dutchess Ambulatory Surgical Center.  If you regularly use inhalers, please bring them with you to the Center.

The surgeon’s office will provide information when scheduling your procedure. Please contact our office at (845) 473-6144 after 9am the day before surgery for your arrival time and instructions. Usually, you will be asked to arrive at the Center one hour before the time of your procedure.

You can take a shower or bath on the morning of surgery.  You may also brush your teeth, remembering to avoid swallowing any additional water or mouth wash.

Please do not use any make-up, hair spray, nail polish, or toiletries on the day of surgery.

If you notice any change in your health, including a scratchy throat, cold or fever, please call your physician or our Center at (845) 473-6144 as soon as possible.

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes on the day of your surgery. These clothes should be easy to put on. Remember, you may have a bulky dressing after surgery and your clothes should be large enough to allow for this. When you arrive, we’ll give you a patient gown to wear during your visit.