Surgical Services
FAQs - Surgery
1. Why do I need pre-admission testing?
Pre-admission testing (PAT) allows us to review your health history and complete a physical that's required before you undergo surgery. It also gives you the opportunity to ask a nurse any questions you might have. You will leave the appointment with verbal and written instructions regarding your surgery.
2. What kind of tests will I have at pre-admission testing?
The tests (blood work, x-ray, EKG) are based on your health history, the type of surgery you are having, and your physician's request. Some patients require no diagnostic tests.
3. What do I need to bring with me for my pre-admission testing?
Please bring any paperwork the physician has asked you to bring, insurance information, and reading glasses. It is most important that you bring a list of any medication you are taking (prescription and over-the-counter). If you do not have a list, bring the actual medications with you. If you have questions, write them down and bring them too.
4. Why is my pre-admission testing not at the hospital where my surgery is being performed?
Lake Hospital System provides three sites for Pre Admission Testing. They are located at Lake West Hospital in Willoughby, Tyler Walk-In Center in Mentor, and the Madison Medical Campus . You can choose the facility that is most convenient for you. If you are having your surgery at the Mentor Surgery Center, you will have to have your pre-admission testing there also.
5. What do I need to bring with me the day of surgery?
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The names or bottles of mediations you take if you did not bring them at the time of pre-admission testing.
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Reading glasses
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Reading material and/or audio devices
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Crutches if required after your surgery
6. Why do I have to remove jewelry (even my wedding ring) for surgery?
Removal of jewelry is a safety issue in the operating room. Leaving jewelry on poses a risk for burns from electrocautery, injury from swelling or pressure, and infection. We also ask that you remove any body piercings.
7. Why can't I eat anything the day of surgery?
This restriction is very important for your safety when you undergo anesthesia. If you do not follow this restriction, your surgery could be cancelled. After midnight the night before your surgery, please do not consume the following:
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Food of any type, including hard candy, cough drops, and mints
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Beverages, including coffee, water, and soda
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Gum
8. What medicines may I take the morning of surgery?
Certain medications are permitted the morning of surgery. They are to be consumed with as little water as possible (shot glass full). The medications that are permitted include:
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Heart
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Blood pressure
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Seizure
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Breathing (bring inhalers with you)
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Pain
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Thyroid
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Parkinson medication
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Other medications as instructed
9. Why can't I take my insulin or diabetic medicines the morning of surgery?
Having low blood sugar when you undergo surgery can pose a problem for you.
10. Where do I go when I get to the hospital the day of my surgery?
LakeEast Hospital , Painesville - If you are to report to the hospital between 6 and 7:30 am, enter through the main lobby. Follow the hallway to the end, and take the elevator to the first floor. Exit the elevator and turn left. Walk to the end of the hallway and turn left. Just past the elevators is another hallway; turn left and stop at the secretary's desk. She will assist you.
If you are to arrive at the hospital after 7:30 am, park in the Outpatient Parking area located on High Street. Enter the hospital through the Outpatient entrance. Walk to the end of the hallway and turn right. Turn left at the hallway just past the elevators and stop at the secretary's desk. She will assist you.
LakeWest Hospital , Willoughby - use the main entrance, located on the east side of the hospital. Take the elevator in the lobby to the second floor. Check in at the reception desk.
Mentor Surgery Center - Enter through the Mentor Surgery Center pavilion and report to the receptionist at the front desk.
11. Why do I have to wait until the day before my surgery to learn the time of my surgery?
The surgery schedule is finalized the afternoon before because there might be additions and cancellations to it. Calling after 2 pm provides you with the most accurate information and the least chance of disrupting your arrangements for arrival.
12. Why do I have to arrive at the hospital two hours before my surgery?
Your surgeon has agreed to this time to allow for adequate preparation before your surgery and for flexibility in case another patient has cancelled. There may be delays in the surgery schedule due to unforeseen circumstances. We encourage you to bring reading materials and audio devices to help you relax before surgery.
13. I have sleep apnea. Will that be a problem?
If successfully treated, sleep apnea is usually not a problem. The Anesthesia Department might need to place a special breathing tube due to the sleep apnea. Depending on the severity of the sleep apnea and the type of surgery, some people need to be observed in the hospital overnight.
14. How do I know the surgeon will operate on the correct site?
Lake Hospital System has a policy in place to minimize the risk of operating on the wrong site. Throughout your pre-operative preparation, you will be asked many times which is the correct operative site. In fact you will be asked to write the word "yes" on the correct site.
15. What if I have a pacemaker or internal defbrillator?
Your cardiologist needs to check your pacemaker before surgery to make sure it is functioning properly. If you have an internal defibrillator, you need to see your cardiologist before surgery.