Preparing for Surgery
Whether you return home after surgery or stay in the hospital, preparing for surgery is very important. When you are well prepared, you improve your chances of a positive experience.
Follow all instructions given to you to ensure your surgery goes forward as scheduled.
- Preoperative testing is located in the Mount Sinai Queens Pavilion at 25-20 30th Avenue, on the 2nd floor.
- The main operating rooms are open 24 hours per day. They are located on the fifth floor of the hospital at 25-10 30th Avenue or the third floor of the Pavilion at 25-20 30th Avenue.
Pre-Surgery Planning
Make sure you understand why you are having your surgery and what will happen. Be sure to discuss with your physician what medications you are currently taking and whether or not you can continue them before the surgery, on the day of surgery, and after the surgery. Don't forget to tell your doctor about any over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements that you are also taking. If you normally require antibiotics before surgery or dental procedures, be sure to request a prescription from your physician.
As soon as the surgery is scheduled, call the pre-operative testing unit at 718-267-4262 to arrange for pre-admission testing and insurance registration. The hours are 7:30 am to 7 pm, Monday through Friday. The last appointment is scheduled at 6 pm. Have your insurance information available when you call. If you are having your pre-admission testing and medical clearance for surgery with your private doctor, remind him or her to fax the results to 718-808-7759 as soon as possible and include the scheduled surgery date with the results. Patients who are under 18 must provide immunization records at the pre-testing exam.
If your physical condition changes before surgery—such as a cold, rash, persistent cough, sore throat, fever or stomach upset—notify your physician. He or she may want to reschedule your surgery. If you are unable to keep your appointment or if you will be late for your surgery, please notify the OR at 718-267-4214 as soon as possible.
If you are having ambulatory surgery and receiving anesthesia, it is essential that you arrange for someone to escort you home after the surgery, preferably by car. Patients receiving local anesthesia do not require an escort. A comfortable waiting room is available for your escort in the Ambulatory Pavilion. We will ask for the best contact number to reach them at in case they want to leave the unit. Patients who are under 18 must be accompanied by an adult who must stay on the hospital campus throughout the operation.
Day Before Your Surgery
It is essential that you not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to the day of your surgery. This includes medications and water unless your physician specifically orders them. If your surgery is scheduled for the afternoon, then your anesthesiologist or physician may allow some changes in the fasting rule. Check ahead of time. Do not use alcohol or sedative drugs for 24 hours before surgery. On the day (or Friday) before surgery, if you have not received a call by 8 pm, please call the operating room to confirm your arrival time and location of your surgery. The telephone number is 718-267-4214. Plan to arrive one to two hours before your scheduled time of surgery and expect to stay two to four hours if your surgery is ambulatory.
Day of Your Surgery
Bring a government issued photo I.D. card that matches the name and date of birth on your insurance card, your insurance information, contact lens container, and a list of medications you are currently taking (or the actual bottles). We will provide you with a gown, robe, and slippers. Do not bring jewelry, money, credit cards, or valuables. We cannot be responsible for them. If you are an ambulatory patient, you will receive a locker, and the nurse will hold the key to secure your belongings. Children tend to become restless and apprehensive while waiting, so leave them at home.
Wear low-heeled shoes and loose clothes that will be easy to put on and comfortable to wear following surgery. If you are going to have a cast, be sure the clothes will fit over a cast. Avoid makeup or keep it to a minimum. During surgery, your belongings will be kept in a labeled bag and forwarded to your room if you are hospitalized or returned to you before you go home if you are an ambulatory surgery patient.
Your temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure will be taken, and the nursing staff will help get you ready for surgery. Your anesthesiologist and surgeon will talk to before your operation. They will discuss types of anesthesia available and together they will choose the best method.
After Your Surgery
After your operation, you will rest in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) until you are ready to go home or be transferred to one of our patient care units for further care. Ambulatory patients should plan to wait at least one hour following surgery.
If you received sedation or general anesthesia, you should have someone stay with you at home the first night after surgery. Be good to yourself and take it easy until your physician recommends that you return to your usual routine. Follow your physician's instructions regarding diet, rest, and medication. Do not drive, operate machinery or tools, drink alcoholic beverages or take any medications not prescribed by your physician for at least 24 hours following surgery. It is natural to experience discomfort at the surgical site. It's also natural to feel some dizziness or drowsiness after treatment or surgery. If you feel you are having medical problems after discharge, contact your physician. If your physician is unavailable, call the Emergency Department at 718-267-4285.
A member of our staff will contact you within a few days after your surgery to see how you are doing. A member of our Patient Service Team may also call you about your experience as a patient. We strive to provide the very best service and care, and this information helps us to improve your experience. Let us know if you prefer not to be contacted.
Fees will be charged by a variety of providers, not just the hospital. In addition to the hospital bill, you may receive bills from your surgeon, the assistant, pathologist, cardiologist, radiologist and anesthesiologist. You may also incur fees for special equipment, implants, tests and treatments.
Blood Donation
There is no on-site donation center at Mount Sinai Queens. Patients who are interested in donating blood for themselves (in anticipation of surgery) or in having family and friends donate for them are encouraged to contact the Long Island Blood Center at 631-927-5036 to arrange an appointment.