Encouragement, Support and Answers for Surgery Patients
Having even minor surgery is a major event. It’s not uncommon to may feel nervous or concerned before surgery. Learning about your surgery or what to expect during your surgical experience is a great way to ease those worries and set the stage for a smooth recovery.
Have questions?
See your primary care physician to discuss health concerns. Or discuss specific, surgery-related concerns with your surgical provider.
The following is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs). Click on the question to read the answer.
More than 11,000 procedures are performed annually in Beaufort Memorial’s surgical suites. Where possible, surgeons use minimally invasive procedures that reliably reduce risk, downtime and scarring for patients.
No surgery is fully risk-free. One way to lower risk is to choose a physician with extensive experience in your condition or treatment. Discuss potential risks with your surgeon in advance of your surgery.
You and your surgeon will discuss surgical options and any associated risks before a decision is made. Some patients are not candidates for certain surgeries, or their health circumstances prevent the use of some surgical options.
You and your doctor will decide the safest, most convenient location for surgery. Some surgeries require tools that are only available in a hospital operating suite while other surgeries, like those in the Beaufort Memorial Ambulatory Surgical Center, don’t require an overnight hospital stay.
Attend your preoperative appointment and have any required diagnostics. Sign up for MyBMH to set up a health profile and to access medical record data. If your physician provides specific steps to follow the day before surgery, follow them carefully. Patients are commonly advised to not eat, drink or smoke after midnight the day of surgery.
Never stop taking a prescription medication unless directed to do so by your doctor. Current medications will be discussed at your preoperative appointment, so be sure to create a complete list of medications with dosages to share with your care team.
Anesthesia can be general, regional or local or a combination. General anesthesia is chosen so a patient is “asleep” during surgery. To ensure safety, your anesthesiologist closely monitors you before, during and after surgery. Local or regional anesthetics are used to numb areas or very specific parts of the body.
A visitor is welcome to join you in the pre-op area. Once you’re stable and have recovered from surgery, you’ll be ready for visitors again unless you prefer privacy.
Still have a question?
Please contact your surgeon’s medical practice for assistance.
Helpful Links
- Types of Surgery — Research surgical approaches and procedures
- Find a Surgeon — Find a board-certified surgical specialist
- About Your Surgery — Learn about having surgery at Beaufort Memorial