Prior to Surgery
Once your doctor has scheduled your procedure, our nurse will call you to obtain your medical history, discuss the scheduled procedure, describe the admitting process, and give specific instructions for the day of surgery. This is also a good time for you to ask questions and discuss any concerns you might have. We make every effort to contact you prior to surgery; however, if our nurse is unable to reach you on the day before surgery, call Magna Surgical Center at 773 445-9696 extension 4251 or 4252 and confirm your reservation with the Center. In addition to any instructions given to you by your doctor, the following items must be noted:
- You must not eat, drink or smoke anything (including water, gum or mints) after midnight (12 AM) on the day of your surgery.
- If you are taking prescribed medications, check with the nurse who calls from Magna or your physician to see if you should continue to take them (with a small sip of water) on or before the day of surgery.
Day of Surgery
Please refer to the location page for specific instructions regarding the location of the surgery center and parking instructions. You should plan on arriving at the Center at least 1 to 1.5 hours before the scheduled time of your surgery or according to instructions given by your physician. Please be certain to bring a photo ID and a copy of all of your insurance cards with you on the day of surgery. Once you arrive at the main building and have parked in the adjacent lot (to the north of the building), please proceed to the elevators and take them to the Lower Level.
- Our administrative staff will welcome you and your family and friends in our spacious waiting room until it is time for you to prepare for surgery.
- Once admitted, you will proceed to the changing room and be asked to change into surgical attire. Although you will be given a space to protect your clothing and personal belongings, it’s always best to leave jewelry and items of value at home. Magna Surgical Center unfortunately cannot be held responsible for any lost items.
- Prior to surgery, please remove all makeup, nail polish, hairpins, wigs, false eyelashes, eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and dentures (full or partial). Please bring in a container from home to store these items.
- Your nurse will take your temperature, blood pressure and pulse and ask you a few questions regarding your health.
- Prior to surgery, your anesthesiologist will explain to you the anesthesia your physician has chosen for your procedure.
After Surgery
Following surgery, our team of nurses will monitor you closely throughout the recovery phase. Your family members and caregivers may join you in the recovery area once you are ready for visitors. Typically, you will be kept in the recovery area for ninety minutes following surgery. Our nursing staff will provide you with your physician’s instructions prior to your discharge. It is important that you follow all of these instructions.
- Prior to the day of surgery, arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home. We will be happy to call the individual when you are ready to be discharged home. Under no circumstances will a patient be allowed to leave our care without a responsible adult to drive home.
- Arrange to have a responsible adult with you for 24 hours following your surgery.
- Do not take medications other than those prescribed by your doctor(s) following surgery and listed on your Medication Reconciliation sheet. This includes tranquilizers and nonprescription, over the counter medications.
- Ask your doctor when it is safe to resume taking your usual medications.
- Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours following surgery.
- Do not drive for 24 hours following your surgery.
- Follow your discharge instructions carefully; they are for your well-being.
- Our nurse will call you the day after surgery to ask how you are doing. If you miss our phone call, please call us at 773.445.9696 and let our recovery team know how you are feeling.
- If you have any questions, or experience any complications, please call your physician or facility. We are here to help.
- Get plenty of rest following your surgery and enjoy the comfort and convenience of recovering in your own home.