The Pre-op Screening department will call to set up a telephone interview. Please return their call if missed at (703) 558-6159. Listen to all prompts and if you need to leave a message, we will get back to you within 24-48 hours.
A nurse will call you to schedule a telephone interview prior to your surgery date. During this call the nurse will make sure to update all of your information in Epic and will review instructions for the day of your surgery and will answer as many questions as possible.
To prepare for the Pre-op Screening telephone interview, have ready to review:
- Your medication list with names and doses.
- Medical and surgical history.
- Name and contact information for your PCP or specialists if you have them.
- Name and phone number of your ride home on the Day of Surgery.
- We cannot complete the interview while you are driving, please be in a safe quite space to discuss your medical information.
On the day of your surgery arrive two hours prior to your surgery time, unless otherwise instructed by your surgeon’s office or hospital staff. You’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the hospital. For safety reasons, you may not drive yourself home after surgery due to anesthesia.
Follow your surgeon’s instructions for eating and drinking the day of your surgery. The PAT team will clarify any questions you have about taking your daily medications at the time of your telephone interview. If you have eaten or drank in error please let our team know ASAP at 703.558.6155.
Please arrive at the time your surgeon asks you to be at the Hospital and allow additional time for parking. Park in Zone A Garage A and make your way to the second floor surgery department.
Day of Surgery Checklist:
- Plan to shower and brush your teeth at home. You may be given specific washing instructions to follow at home using antimicrobial soap
- Do not use powder, lotions or other cosmetics or makeup and remove nail polish
- Dress comfortably
- Once at the hospital, you’ll be asked to remove any dentures, hairpins, hairpieces, jewelry, contact lenses, artificial body parts and underwear
- Leave valuables at home
- Bring insurance card & photo ID (Driver’s license)
When You Arrive
On the day of your surgery, please arrive at the designated time and check in at the registration desk on the second floor. Bring your insurance card and driver’s license.
Staff will greet you and place an arm band on your wrist, identifying you and your surgeon. If you have allergies, a red band will be used to alert the staff. You will be asked many times throughout your stay to state your name and the procedure you are having. DO NOT be alarmed, this is a patient safety standard used in all hospital settings.
Prior to your procedure you will be taken to a pre-procedure room. You will be given a hospital gown to change into and a bag to store your belongings. A nurse will conduct a nursing assessment, take your vital signs and answer any questions. Additional lab tests may be conducted as indicated by your surgeon and the anesthesia team. An IV may be placed to provide sedation and medication. A member of our anesthesia team will meet with you to explain the anesthesia process and answer any questions.
Your scheduled time of surgery is approximate and may vary depending on circumstances in the operating room.
During Surgery
The length of surgery can vary greatly depending on the procedure. Your support person is welcome to wait at the Hospital and will receive updates from our team via text messaging. Once your surgery is completed, the surgeon will speak with your support person. Please provide the staff at registration with a designated phone number for the surgeon to call if the support person is not present.
The operating room area temperature is kept cool; please ask for a warmed blanket if you are uncomfortable. A safety strap is placed across your body. All members of the team will identify you and your procedure before they begin. Your privacy and respect is of utmost importance to all of us. Someone will be with you at all times.
Post-surgery
After surgery, you will be recovered in the PACU (Phase 1) and/or Phase 2 Recovery where you’ll be monitored by specially trained nursing staff under the direction of your surgeon and anesthesiologist.
Expect to feel some pain and discomfort after surgery. Your surgeon may order medication to help reduce your pain. This medication can be picked up from the VHC Outpatient Pharmacy prior to leaving the hospital if desired.
Our team of expert nurses will provide you and your family members with instructions regarding post-procedure care. A nurse will call you within two days of your discharge to see how you are doing and answer any further questions.
VHC Health is committed to patient comfort and providing the best possible care for patients and their families. Please ask your nurse and physician about our Pain Management Program.
We are committed to patient comfort and have an aggressive approach to pain management and patient education. We believe that with effective pain management during your illness and/or after surgery we can:
- Reduce pain
- Increase your comfort and satisfaction
- Help you manage activities of daily living
- Contribute to improved patient care and shorter hospital stays
What is Pain and Pain Assessment
Pain is your body's way of sending a message to your brain that something is wrong. Without treatment, nerve pathways send messages to your brain, increasing the body's response to pain. Sometimes pain may be an uncomfortable feeling that is similar to a headache. At other times, because of your illness or because of surgery, pain becomes severe and persistent. Your nurse and doctors will ask you about your pain because they want you to be comfortable. They want you to tell them anytime you have pain, especially if you have had medication for pain but have not gotten relief.
Your nurse and physician will ask you to rate your pain on a scale, using the numbers 0 to 10.
What Can Be Done to Treat Your Pain
Both medication and non-medication treatments can be successful in helping to manage and control pain. You and your doctors and nurses will decide which ones are best for you.
- Pain Medication: Your physician may prescribe medication to be taken by mouth or by injection. Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) is available for patients admitted to the Hospital. This medication is given intermittently or continuously through a small tube either in your vein (IV) or in a small space in your back (Epidural). Both methods allow self-medication with the push of a button.
- Other Methods: Rest, relaxation and simple techniques such as deep breathing can increase your comfort. Cold packs, heat therapy, massage and nerve stimulation may also be ordered by your physician to help relieve pain.
