Before your surgery

DO NOT eat any solids after midnight. You can have 250 mL of clear fluids up to 4 hours before your surgery. Clear fluids include water, apple juice, and black coffee (no cream and no sugar).

‍

Please do not:

1. Eat anything after midnight
2. Bring any jewelry and other valuable items

‍

Please do:

• Take your regular medications with a sip of water as normally prescribed unless instructed otherwise
• Bring government issued ID and Alberta Personal Health card
• Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes
• Remove contact lenses
• Remove piercings (nose, lip, tongue)

‍

‍You must have a responsible adult available to take you home after your surgery. Upon arrival at Cambrian Surgery Centre, you will be required to provide the name and contact phone number for this person.

Recovery at home after Surgery

For the first 48 to 72 hours after surgery, we recommend having a reliable friend or family member with you to assist with your recovery.

Mild nausea is common after surgery but typically improves within a few hours.

Pain or discomfort may persist for several days. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on pain management, including prescribed medications. Please follow your medication regimen as directed.

A Cambrian Surgery Centre team member will contact you the day after your surgery for a follow-up check-in.

‍

FAQs

Is there parking available for patients?

There is heated underground parking available at the Cambrian Centre. Detailed direction and parking instructions will be e-mailed to you 1 to 2 weeks prior to your scheduled surgery.

‍

How long is my surgery expected to be?

This depends on the nature of the surgery and is best answered by your surgeon.

‍

How will I be monitored during surgery and by whom?

Your anesthesiology physician Will be responsible for your comfort, well- being and safety during your surgery. Your blood pressure, pulse rate, oxygen level, and CO2 levels are some of the important vital signs that will be monitored during the surgery.

‍

Who will monitor my recovery after surgery and for how long?

According to specific guidelines established by the College of Physicians and surgeons of Alberta, all phases of anesthesia including recovery must be supervised. Your anesthesiologist as well as our experienced nurses will monitor your needs for a safe recovery. You will be given extra oxygen and your breathing and heart functions will be monitored closely. You will not be discharged home until you are fit to leave our facility (usually within one to two hours after completion of the surgery).

‍

Will I have any side effects?

• The amount of discomfort you experience after your surgery will depend on a number of factors, relating to the specific type of surgery are having. Your doctor will recommend specific pain medications to minimize your postoperative pain.

• Nausea and vomiting are very common after surgery with general anesthesia. You will be prescribed some medications to help minimize these symptoms.

‍