What to do on the day of your inpatient surgery
It is important to know what
to expect when you check into University of Utah Hospital facility for surgery.
At home
Before you come to the hospital for your surgery, it is important to not eat or drink
anything on the day of your surgery. Take only the medications your doctor or
anesthesiologist has instructed you to take with a sip of water. Some patients
will be asked to bathe with a special soap on the day of their surgery before coming
to the hospital. Be sure to remove all make-up, nail polish and jewelry (including
your wedding ring) before coming to the hospital.
Checking into the hospital
Patients coming for inpatient surgery should check in at the Clinic 1B. Please be sure
to bring all of your insurance, identification and other important paperwork with you
when you check in.
Pre-operative holding area
After you check in, you will be directed to the pre-operative area. You will be asked
to remove all wigs, hairpins, dentures and change into a hospital dressing gown. An
Anesthesiologist will start an intravenous line in your hand or arm. Anesthesia will
be administered through this IV line.
Some patients may receive antibiotics before surgery. These antibiotics help prevent
infection and are administered through the IV lines.
Operating Room
After the pre-operative preparations are complete, it is time to go into the operating
room for surgery. Your surgery may necessitate shaving the area before your procedure.
The operating room is kept cold. Warm blankets are available for your comfort.
Surgical waiting areas
Your loved ones will be sent to a surgical waiting area while you are in surgery.
After your surgery, the hospital assigns you a room and your family will be notified
of your room number.
Recover requires rest, so it is best to limit visitors. Each unit has different visiting hours.
