Day surgery at Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center combines high-quality, cost-efficient medical care with the personal attention and convenience you deserve.

If you are preparing for surgery, this information will answer many of your questions about what to expect during your stay with us.

What Is Day Surgery?

Day surgery goes by many names – outpatient surgery, ambulatory surgery, same-day surgery and one-day surgery. In most cases, though, the meaning is the same. A patient arrives at the hospital, has surgery, recovers and goes home all in one day, without an overnight stay.
For many people, day surgery has distinct advantages over inpatient surgery when medically appropriate:
•    Our Center for Day Surgery is backed by the full resources of the hospital, including a full range of leading-edge technology
•    We have an experienced, caring staff to carry out your procedure and oversee your safe recovery.
•    You are able to work surgery into your busy routine with minimal disruption, and you can recover comfortably in the familiar surroundings of home.
•    And because an overnight stay is not required, you receive first-rate, cost-efficient care.

Part of our Perioperative Services Department, which includes our operating rooms, endoscopy suites, post-anesthesia recovery, sterile processing and anesthesia services, our Day Surgery Center was created to the same high standards as our hospital.

Surgical specialties represented include general surgery, specialists in breast health, orthopedics, urology, gastroenterology, gynecology, ear/nose/throat, ophthalmology, vascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedic spine and neuro spine, bariatric surgery and pain management.

We Will Be Seeing You

Clear, open communication is the key to a smooth outpatient surgical procedure. Once your physician schedules your surgery, we work together to make the process as simple as possible for you.
In your best interest, the hospital provides pre-admission testing, a one-stop service, Monday through Friday. When the procedure is scheduled, a pre-admission testing appointment is also scheduled. Your doctor will tell you when the appointment is. We’ll also ensure that any other medical clearance needed is taken care of. If your doctor decides that a phone interview is needed instead of an in-person visit, pre-admission testing will call within the week.

You will be asked to bring your insurance information to your pre-admission appointment, and either a list of, or any actual medications you are taking. Be certain to include prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as any supplements.

A nurse will take your medical history either by phone or in person. The nurse, either in person or by phone, will discuss your pre-procedure instructions. Don't feel bashful about asking questions or discussing concerns at any stage. We want you to have complete peace of mind.

On the Day of Your Surgery

When you arrive for outpatient surgery, you will go through an easy-to-follow procedure to minimize confusion.
We’ll ensure all paperwork has been completed. You may have a seat until a nurse calls you to escort you to the pre-op area. We will again verify your identification, the procedure, the site and side. This procedure will be repeated at various times for your protection. A family member or close friend may accompany you as we get you settled and ready for your procedure.

Consent Forms

Before surgery, you will sign a consent form specifically for your procedure and to receive anesthesia. Adult patients give their own written consents; parents or guardians must be present to give permission for patients under 18. If you have power of attorney, be sure to bring the paperwork stating this.

Anesthesia

Your surgical preparation also includes a visit from an anesthesiologist who will ask you questions about your general health, medical problems (especially heart and breathing problems), prior anesthetics and all medications you are taking. He or she will also answer your questions. If you spoke with the anesthesiologist during your pre-admission visit, this conversation may already have taken place.
You are likely to be given medications orally or intravenously to reduce possible nausea after waking from anesthesia.

Recovery

Patients who have anesthesia will go to post-anesthesia care immediately after surgery. Specially trained registered nurses will care for you until you awaken, and you will be taken back to day surgery. An experienced registered nurse will continue your care, and your family may wait with you there.
Regardless of the type of anesthesia you receive, you will stay at the hospital until your condition is stable and the anesthesiologist has decided it is safe for you to leave.

After Recovery

When you are ready to leave, your friend or relative will be asked to bring the car to the outpatient entrance. Surgical services personnel will take you to the car. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home, so please have someone available to drive you home.
We strongly urge you to avoid tasks that require skill, coordination or judgment -- such as driving, operating machinery or making important decisions -- for 24 hours. Also we recommend you have an adult stay with you overnight.

Relatives and Friends

A nurse will notify your family when you are taken to the recovery room, and again when your family can see you. Please remind your family to remain in the waiting area, or to leave word at the desk if they must leave. This will keep communication lines open and prevent unnecessary delays when you are ready to leave.
Your visitors may wait with you after you are awake and in the recovery area. Please try to limit the number of people who accompany you to one or two. If possible, do not bring children with you.

If your driver does not plan to wait at the Hospital during your surgery, please give your nurse a number where he or she can be reached.

Just for Kids

Each member of the outpatient surgical team is especially sensitive to the needs of youngsters facing surgery. To help relieve some of their fears and anxieties, we avoid using needles whenever possible and minimize separation time. After surgery, we reunite children and parents as soon as the young patient is alert.

After You Go Home

It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions when you go home.