Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to visit Santa Cruz Surgery Center before my surgery date?
No, There is no need to visit the center before your date of surgery.
How do I pre-register?
Once your surgeon schedules your appointment, our office will call you to obtain the necessary information.
What if I am unable to make my appointment?
If you are not able to make your appointment, please notify your surgeon and Santa Cruz Surgery Center at 831-462-5578 as early as possible.
What type of clothing should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Button down blouses or shirts are best. Please leave all jewelry at home. If you wear contacts, consider bringing glasses. If you need to wear your contacts, please bring contact solution and your contact storage case. Please do not wear any make-up to your surgical appointment.
Why do I need to refrain from eating or drinking prior to surgery?
If you are having gastrointestinal surgery, having food in your system could cause complications during surgery, which could lead to infection or cause your surgery to be cancelled.
The principal reason that you must refrain from eating or drinking for 8 hours before surgery is that there is a significant risk that you could vomit while under anesthesia. The combination of anesthesia and intubation makes it possible for you to inhale the vomit into your lungs, causing serious complications such as pneumonia and difficulty breathing, compromising your recovery process.
Please refrain from having a large meal before you begin your 12 hour fast. This can completely defeat the purpose of fasting, so it's important to have a light meal, which will be easier to digest.
If your surgeon requires you to take any medication the morning of your surgery, take this with the smallest amount of water possible. Do not take any medication unless your surgeon has said that you should. Also, try not to swallow any water as you brush your teeth the morning of your surgery.
Should I take my usual daily medication or herbal supplements?
Please go over this question with your surgeon a few weeks before your surgical appointment. Some medications should be postponed, such as insulin, blood thinners, aspirin, and blood pressure medication, as these can cause problems during surgery.
Please bring ALL of your medications with you to Santa Cruz Surgery Center. Inhalers are especially important to bring with you.
Herbal medications can have harmful effects on your surgery. Some of these remedies can effect your body's ability to clot, which is very important when you have any surgical procedure, and these can also interfere with the anesthesia. Please be sure to mention these medications to your surgeon a few weeks before surgery. Your surgeon may ask you to stop these medications two weeks before your surgery.
Who may accompany me?
A family member or friend is welcome to come with you to Santa Cruz Surgery Center. If the patient is a child, both parents or guardians may accompany the child. You will be asked to wait in the lobby, but one parent will be permitted in the recovery room at the completion of surgery.
Will someone contact me before surgery?
A nurse from Santa Cruz Surgery Center will phone your home a few days before your surgery to compile your health history and answer any questions. The nurse will also tell you what time to arrive for your surgery. If the nurse is unable to reach you at home, it is important that you call the center the day before surgery. The business office will also call you regarding insurance information.
Should I bathe before leaving home?
Yes, you are encouraged to shower, bathe, brush your teeth, etc., but please do not use make up, hair spray, deodorant, nail polish, etc.
What should I do if I do not feel well?
Please contact your surgeon and Santa Cruz Surgery Center if you are not feeling well. You will be given advice as to how to proceed. There are times that postponing surgery is the best choice if you are feeling ill.
What if I start my menstrual cycle?
Normally this will not affect most surgical procedures. Some gynecological procedures may be impacted by menstruation, so contact your surgeon or Santa Cruz Surgery Center if you are unsure how this will affect your individual procedure.
What should I do if I think I'm pregnant?
It is extremely important for us to know if this is a possibility. Only surgeries that are essential will be performed on pregnant patients.
Do I need to have someone drive me home?
You will need to arrange for a responsible person drive you home. You will not be allowed to drive, walk, or take public transportation home. We also recommend that a responsible adult stay with you for an appropriate amount of time after returning home from your surgical procedure.
Will my anesthesiologist speak to me before surgery?
Your anesthesiologist will talk to you before your surgery to answer any questions you may have regarding anesthesiology.
What if I am handicapped?
We will do all we can to accommodate any special need you may have. We recommend that you call Santa Cruz Surgery Center in advance, so we can prepare for your needs