Preparing for Surgery

Undergoing surgery can be a stressful experience. One way to ease any concerns you may have is to familiarize yourself with the process beforehand. We outline what you can expect when you choose to undergo a scheduled surgical procedure at here.

Most people who undergo a surgical procedure have some form of anesthesia. If you have questions or concerns related to anesthesia, you should discuss them with your physician. You may also find it helpful to review the material prepared by the Department of Anesthesiology.

Another common concern is about pain following the procedure. There are many alternatives available to manage any postoperative pain you may experience, and the extensive resources of our Division of Palliative Care are available to you, if needed. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your surgeon as well as with your anesthesiologist so they can address any questions you have.

Day of Your Surgery

Where to Go

Mount Sinai Beth Israel: On the day of your procedure, you should go to the Patient Access Services Department located on the main floor, Suite L-08 of Mount Sinai Beth Israel at 16th Street and 1st Avenue. Telephone: (212) 420-4749.

Mount Sinai Downtown-Union Square: On the day of your procedure, you should go to the Admitting Reception Desk located on the 4th floor of Mount Sinai Downtown-Union Square, Suite 4M, 10 Union Square East. Telephone: 212-844-8245.

What to Bring – Personal Items

Wear comfortable clothing. Please do not wear contact lenses, makeup, nail polish, or body piercing items. You may wear eyeglasses, hearing aids, or dentures; however, you will be asked to remove them before the procedure, so please bring appropriate containers for storage of these items. Do not bring any valuables such as jewelry, watches, rings, cash, or cellular telephones. Mount Sinai Beth Israel cannot be responsible for lost, misplaced, stolen or damaged property.

What to Bring – Insurance

Be sure to bring your insurance card(s) with you as well as any referral and/or authorization forms.

What to Bring – Medications and Allergies

Bring a list of any known allergies to medications, foods, or substances. Also bring a list of all your medications, dosages, and times taken.

What to Bring – Advance Directives

Please bring any documents regarding advance medical directives, such as health care proxy forms and living wills. You can obtain copies of the forms by downloading the New York State Health Care Proxy form, or by visiting the New York State Department of Health Website.

What to Bring – Escort Requirement for Ambulatory Surgery

If you are scheduled for ambulatory surgery (in other words, your physician has told you that you will return home following your procedure), you must have a responsible escort over 18 years of age take you home. If you are unable to arrange for an escort, you should discuss this with your physician before the date of surgery. Should an escort not be available on the day of surgery, your surgery will be cancelled.

What to Bring – Pediatric Requirements

If the patient is a minor (a child under the age of 18), please bring the following:

Guardianship papers and/or court documents (modification petition), if applicable
The child’s complete Immunization Record
An item important to the child: one toy or book, pacifier, or blanket (something appropriate to the patient’s age)

Anesthesia

Your physician will consult with an anesthesiologist about the anesthesia that is appropriate for you. Prior to surgery, an anesthesiologist will meet with you to discuss your anesthesia. Please let the physician know if you think that you might be pregnant.

Recovery

Following the procedure, you will go to the recovery room or PACU (post-anesthesia care unit). You will be closely monitored until the anesthesia wears off. We will check your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and breathing, as well as the area of your body where you had surgery, periodically. You may feel drowsy and cold and you may feel some pain, which is normal after surgery. The PACU nurses will take care of your needs and make you comfortable. Once the anesthesiologist feels that you have sufficiently recovered, you will be discharged to return home or brought to a patient care unit if you will be staying in the hospital.

Please understand that visitation in the PACU is extremely limited. Patients may be visited for up to 10 minutes every two hours at the following times: 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 6:30 pm, and 8:30 pm.

Forms for Downloading

Your health care providers will tell you which forms you need and you can find those forms, in downloadable form, below. Please complete the appropriate forms in advance and fax them back or bring them with you on the dates of your pre-surgical testing or surgical procedure. Call your surgeon’s office if you have any questions.

Patient Pre-Anesthesia Questionnaire

Insurance Authorization and Financial Agreement

Release Form Liability for Patient Valuables