Do I need to visit the Center before surgery date?
All patients will need an up-to-date medical history and physical form. Some may need blood tests, EKG or x-rays. Your surgeon will advise where you will have this done.
Some families may elect to bring their children for a preoperative tour of Texas Health Surgery Center Preston Plaza.
Some patients may choose to come to the Center before their surgery date to complete paperwork or make payments. We strongly recommend that you complete all preoperative documentation before the day of surgery.
May I pre-register for my surgery?
Yes. For your convenience, we have provided an online registration feature.
What if I cannot make my appointment?
Please notify the surgeon and the Texas Health Surgery Center Preston Plaza at 972-267-5400 as early as possible if you cannot make your scheduled appointment. Early notification can help us better accommodate you and other patients.
What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothing. Button-down shirts or blouses are best. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. Leave all jewelry at home, including body-piercing jewelry. If you wear contact lenses, you will may need to remove them for the surgery, so consider bringing your glasses. If you have to wear your contacts, please bring contact solution and contacts case. Please do not wear any make-up as this can hide certain clinical signs. Please remove all body piercings.
Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery?
You refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery in order to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents during your surgery. This complication is very serious and you need to strictly abide by our recommendations. This has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting after your surgery as some think.
We have very clear policies as to specific times before surgery when you must refrain from eating and/or drinking. These are all based on safety standards.
Children have different fasting schedules than adults – so please follow the instructions given by your surgeon or anesthesia provider pre-operatively.
Should I take my usual daily medication?
Generally, medication for blood pressure should be taken as normal. If there is a morning dose, you may take that with a small sip of water.
People using inhalers must bring them to the Center on the day of surgery.
Some medications will be stopped for the surgery, particularly diabetes medication and blood thinners. You should discuss these medications with your surgeon prior to surgery. Our pre-assessment nurse will be able to answer any questions you may have. If you haven’t spoken with the pre-assessment nurse at least 2 days prior to your surgery, please call us with any questions you may have.
May I continue my herbal medications?
Herbal medications may have harmful effects on the surgery. Many of these remedies may effect your clotting mechanism and interfere with the anesthetic agents. We generally request that you stop these medications two weeks before surgery. Please remember to mention these remedies when being asked about medication.
Who may accompany me?
You are welcome to bring a friend or family member with you to the Center. At times, the lobby may become crowded, so it’s best to limit the number of people who accompany you to no more than 3. That person will be allowed to be with you before surgery and may sit with you after the surgery if you so choose.
When a patient is a child often two parents and/or guardians will accompany him or her to the Center. We will do our best to accommodate everyone, however, one parent and/or guardian will be permitted into the recovery room at a time.
Please refrain from bringing young children to the Center as guests.
Will I receive sedation before going into the operating room?
We will individualize each patient’s care based on procedure being performed.
Will I be contacted before my surgery?
Yes. We call each patient before the surgery to gather information helpful to us and answer any of your questions. Preoperative instructions will be given by the nurse who calls you. You can also call the Center (972-267-5400) directly with any questions.
Should I bathe and wash my hair before leaving home?
Yes. You can comfortably take a shower, bathe, brush your teeth, etc. Please do not use lotions, make up, hair spray, nail polish or toiletries. These may interfere with the anesthesia monitoring and possibly hide clinical signs from the anesthesiologist.
What should I do if I am not feeling well?
If you are not feeling well, please contact your surgeon immediately. During normal business hours, you can call the Center for advice. There are some surgeries which are safer if delayed when you are sick. We need to know specific details to make the decision. Please do not delay in contacting your surgeon or the Center.
What should I do if I started my menstrual cycle?
This will not affect most surgical procedures. Please call us if you have any questions at 972-267-5400.
What should I do if I believe that I am pregnant?
It is very important for us to be aware of this possibility. Only essential surgery is done on pregnant patients. If there is any doubt please contact us immediately.
May I drive home?
Any patient receiving anesthesia should not drive until the next day. A patient receiving sedation for a procedure needs a ride home. The few patients who have procedures performed under local anesthesia alone could possibly drive home.
We would strongly recommend that all patients have a ride home and will be received by a responsible adult when they arrive home. Patients will not be allowed to drive, walk or take public transportation after sedation or anesthesia. Please make the appropriate arrangements.
May I speak to my anesthesiologist before the surgery?
All patients will be seen by the anesthesiologist on the day of surgery prior to entering the operating room. Sufficient time should be spent to answer any questions you may have. If you need to speak to the anesthesiologist before the day of surgery, please contact your surgeon’s office for the correct contact information for your anesthesia provider.
What if I have special needs?
We will make every effort to accommodate any special need you may have. We strongly encourage you to call the Surgery Center in advance so that we can properly prepare to make you comfortable. Do not hesitate to call and suggest anything that may make your day easier.
Should I bring my special needs equipment?
Yes. Please bring any walkers, post-op crutches, hearing aids, etc.
What must I bring with me on the day of surgery?
- Bring case for eyeglasses or contacts
- Bring insurance identification cards, driver’s license, completed billing forms, copayments
- Bring a list of all your medication
- If you have been given a clearance by another healthcare provider, please bring a written copy of that clearance.
- Make sure you have a ride home and someone to care for you at home
- Bring a favorite bottle or “sippy cup” for your child
- Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing
- Leave all jewelry and valuables at home
How will my pain be managed?
Most surgical patients experience some pain. It’s our goal to keep your pain at a tolerable level. We will assess your level of pain from the time of admission until you receive our postoperative call at home. You will be asked to rate your pain from a numerical scale ( 0 -10) or for children, the Faces Pain Scale. We will tailor your therapy as needed based on your response and clinical indications in order to keep you as comfortable as posible.
The management of your pain is taken very seriously. The management of your pain should be discussed with both your anesthesiologist and surgeon. Please feel free to bring up any concerns or fears you may have. Remember that information on pain management gives you the appropriate expectations and hence a smoother, more comfortable recovery.
May I request what type of anesthesia I will receive?
Yes, in certain situations. Some operations can be performed using a choice of different anesthetic types. Your anesthesiologist will discuss available options with you after reviewing your medical history. Your preference will be discussed so that the most appropriate anesthetic plan is made.
Will I receive any sedatives before surgery?
You and your anesthesiologist will develop an anesthetic care plan.
What are the risks of anesthesia?
All operations and all anesthetics have risks and they are dependent upon many factors including the type of surgery and the medical condition of the patient. It’s important that you provide accurate information related to your health habits and status in order to minimize risk.
May I go into the operating room with my child?
We typically do not allow parents or guardians in the surgical suite.
Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery?
You refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery in order to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents during your surgery. This complication is very serious and you need to strictly abide by our recommendations. This has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting after your surgery as some think.