How To Prepare for Surgery at Burnett Medical Center | A Patient Guide

Preparing for Surgery: A Guide to What Patients Can Expect at Burnett Medical Center

Surgery can be a stressful experience, but at Burnett Medical Center (BMC), we aim to make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible. Knowing how to prepare for surgery before, during and after can help reduce anxiety and ensure you feel prepared.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of how to prepare for your surgery at Burnett Medical Center, from preoperative planning to post-surgery care.

Before Surgery at Burnett Medical Center: Preoperative Preparation

Who Will You Meet?

Before your surgery, you’ll have a preoperative appointment with your surgeon to ensure you’re ready for the procedure. During this visit, your provider will:

• Review your medical history and current medications.
• Discuss any necessary pre-surgery tests or instructions.
• Answer any questions you have about the procedure.

Come prepared with any and all questions you may have. No question is insignificant and trust us, your surgeon has heard it all before. A surgical services team member will also call you before your surgery to provide important instructions, including:

• When to stop eating and drinking before surgery.
• Which prescription and over-the-counter medications to take or hold on the day of surgery.
• Answers to any last-minute questions to help ease anxiety.

Many patients find this call reassuring, as it provides clarity and an opportunity to address any concerns before the procedure and prepare for your surgery. Make sure to ask when you can expect this pre-surgery call. Most people feel more anxiety about the preoperative phone call than they do about the surgery itself. 

Day of Surgery: Where to Go and What to Expect

Where Do You Go?

On the day of your surgery, arrive at BMC with the person who is driving you home and enter through the main doors, which are accessible from the parking lot off Highway 70. After checking in at the main reception desk, you will be directed to the waiting room near the surgical services department.

A staff member from the surgical services team will greet you and escort you to the preoperative area to begin preparation.

What Happens Before Surgery at Burnett Medical?

Once in the preoperative area, a nurse will guide you through the necessary steps, including:

• Taking vital signs (such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels).
• Reviewing your medical history and confirming allergies.
• Administering any preoperative medications as ordered by your provider.
• Assisting you in changing into facility-provided attire for surgery.
• Conducting any required preoperative lab work.
• Reviewing your scheduled procedure and ensuring your comfort.

Our team understands that surgery can cause anxiety, so we focus on making you feel as comfortable and informed as possible. Again, never be afraid to keep asking questions. That’s what your team is there for. 

During Surgery: What to Expect

Once you are prepared for surgery at Burnett Medical Center, the expert surgical team—including your surgeon, anesthesia provider, and techs—will take over. You will be closely monitored to ensure safety and comfort throughout the procedure.

After Surgery: Recovery and Follow-Up

Do You Need a Driver?

Yes. Every patient must have a responsible driver to take them home after surgery. For safety reasons, driving is not allowed for 24 hours following the procedure due to lingering anesthesia effects.

What Happens After Surgery?

After your procedure, you will be moved to a recovery area, where our team will monitor you as you wake up from anesthesia. Once you are stable and alert, your care team will:

• Provide post-operative instructions on how to care for yourself at home.
• Review any medications prescribed for pain management or recovery.
• Ensure you have a follow-up plan if necessary.

Will You Need a Follow-Up Appointment?

• Endoscopy and colonoscopy patients do not automatically have a follow-up appointment. If your provider determines one is necessary, our staff will let you know and schedule it. 
• All other surgical patients will leave with a follow-up appointment already scheduled. The details will be included in your After Visit Summary, which will be provided before you leave.

A Personal Touch at BMC

As a local, community hospital, you can rest assured knowing that our staff is going to take exceptional care of you and your loved ones before, during and after surgery. 

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out—we are here to support you every step of the way.