Pre-Admission Information
Our surgery date and time is arranged by you and your surgeon’s office. The Mankato Surgery Center Pre-operative nurse will be calling you a week before your procedure to gather your medical history and any test information requested by your doctor. They will provide instructions on how to prepare for your surgery. This usually takes 10 minutes over the phone. If you will not be available at your home phone number, we ask that you let us know where we can reach you. To reach a pre-operative nurse call 507.388.2138.
Important: A physical exam must be performed by your primary physician within 30 days prior to your surgical procedure. If you have certain medical conditions you may be asked to see an anesthesiologist prior to surgery.
If your employer requires work-related forms to be filled out, please take them to your surgeon’s office prior to your surgery date.
Surgery Checklist
- Schedule history and physical exam with primary physician
- Contact insurance company
- Take return to work and disability forms to surgeon’s office, if needed
- Arrange for a driver
- Bring identification and insurance card
- Bring a complete list of medications, including over the counter
- Remove all jewelry and piercings
- Remove nail polish
- Review patient rights and responsibilities
- Bring a copy of Advance Directive, if one exists
Pre-Surgery Instructions
No solid food after midnight. This includes hard candy, mints and gum. You may brush your teeth or rinse your mouth, but do not swallow any water. You will be instructed on clear liquids from the Surgery Center at the time of your Pre-operative call. If you eat after midnight or do not follow the clear liquid instructions from the Surgery Center, your surgery may be cancelled.
Refrain from the use of tobacco or tobacco products and avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours before and after surgery.
Call your surgeon’s office if you develop a cold, fever, respiratory problems, take any new medications, or need to cancel your surgery.
If you take regular medications ask your primary physician if you should take them before surgery. If instructed to, take the medications with a sip of water.
DO NOT take sedatives, tranquilizers, insulin, blood thinners, aspirin, diet medications, or herbal supplements unless instructed otherwise. You must see your primary physician for blood thinner or insulin instructions.
You MUST bring a responsible adult with you to drive you home and stay with you through the night. If you do not have someone to drive you home, your surgery will be rescheduled until arrangements can be made.
We recommend a responsible adult stay with you for 24 hours after surgery
Limit visitors to your driver or responsible adult.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, please bring a storage case for their safekeeping.
Bathe or shower with an antibacterial soap the morning of your surgery to minimize the chance of infection.
DO NOT bring valuables.
You must remove all jewelry and piercings for your safety.
Remove all make-up and nail polish.
Wear loose, casual clothing and low-heeled shoes.
Your level of pain or discomfort is important to us. The level will be checked often by using the “0-10” pain scale or the Wong Baker facial expressions sheet. We want you to be as comfortable as possible; however, you may experience some pain or discomfort even after receiving pain medication.
Pre-Surgery Instructions for Children
No solid food after midnight. This includes hard candy, mints and gum. Children may brush their teeth or rinse their mouth, but should not swallow any water. Instructions on clear liquids from the Surgery Center will be given at the time of the Pre-operative call. If children eat after midnight or do not follow the clear liquid instructions from the Surgery Center, their surgery may be cancelled.
Babies may breastfed up to four (4) hours prior to surgery start time.
Babies may have formula up to six (6) hour prior to surgery start time. It will be important for you to know the time of your child’s surgery in order to follow these guidelines.
We require at least one parent/guardian be present in the building at all times during your child’s stay.
You may bring any bottled milk, formula, or liquids your child may want after the surgery.
Children may bring their favorite comfort items.
Make arrangements for siblings, so they do not have to wait or become disruptive during the operative periods.
The center offers “Tours for Tots” to you and your child prior to surgery. You may call to inquire and arrange a tour at 507.388.2138 or 1.866.565.1511.
Surgery Day Instructions
Bring Driver’s License or photo ID for proper identification.
Bring your insurance card and any co-payment.
Bring any medical records or forms the doctor may have given you to bring.
Bring a complete list of your medications, both over-the-counter and prescribed, including the dosages and directions.
Cell phones must be turned off in patient care areas.
We are concerned about your safety and security while at Mankato Surgery Center. You will be asked your name and date of birth frequently for patient identification safety measures.
As part of a nationwide patient safety program to assure correct site surgery you will be asked to verify your procedure.Your surgeon will be asked to mark your surgical site with an indelible marking pen.
Mankato Surgery Center is committed to providing the highest level of patient care. To achieve this we will ask for your email address to complete a brief patient satisfaction survey. Within 48 hours of your discharge from our facility you will receive an email providing you with a link to complete the survey. Simply follow the instructions and give us your feedback. If you do not have access to email or a computer we will provide you with a paper version of the survey to complete and return.
If you have an Advance Directive bring a copy in case of an emergency transfer.
It is the Center’s policy to attempt resuscitation and transfer to the hospital in the event of deterioration.
Advance Directive information is available at our Advance Directive tab.
After Your Procedure
Once the procedure has been completed, you will rest in the recovery area until you are able go home. You and your designated responsible adult will be given verbal and written instructions about your home care, medication prescriptions the doctor may want you to take, when to see your doctor again and what to do in the event of an emergency. This is the time to ask any questions.
If an emergency occurs, call your physician — even if it is after working hours. Your doctor’s answering service will notify your doctor to call you. If for any reason you are unable to contact your physician, call or go to the nearest urgent care/emergency room for follow-up.
Post-Operative Follow-Up
Our nursing staff will contact you by phone the next business day following your procedure to check on you and answer any questions you may have. If we are unable to reach you initially, we will attempt a second call. If no contact is made within two days, a follow up letter will be sent. To reach a post-operative nurse call 507.388.6897.
If you experience signs of infection, such as fever, incisional redness or drainage, or other unusual symptoms, call your surgeon.
Our nursing staff will contact you by phone 30 days after your procedure to ask if you have experienced complications. If we are unable to reach you initially, we will attempt a second call. To reach a Post-operative nurse call 507.388.6897.
We appreciate the opportunity to talk with you and follow up on your post-operative care. Thank you for choosing the Mankato Surgery Center.
