Pre-Surgical Screening Program
Overview
Before you have your surgery, you will be asked to complete a pre-surgical screen. This screen will ask about your heath history and current medications and will helps us to take great care of you.
There are two ways to complete your pre-surgical screening:
- MyChart: This is the preferred and fastest method for us to get in contact with you. The screening form will be sent to you electronically for completion if you have a MyChart account. Once completed our screening nurses will review it and contact you with any questions.
- Telephone screening call: You will receive a phone call by one of our screening nurses over the phone to complete the screen.
Pre-Surgical Visit
You may need to meet with an anesthesia provider before your surgery. If you need to be seen, our scheduler will give you a call and arrange a convenient time to meet with a member of the anesthesiology team.
UR Medicine's Approach
The Center for Perioperative Medicine prioritizes patient care and safety and ensures our patients receive the best treatment and procedure plan as possible. Our expert team will walk you through every step of the way of your healing journey.
What Sets Us Apart?
As part of a world-class medical center and academic institution, the UR Medicine Department of Surgery is dedicated to advancing excellence in health care. In a continued effort to provide our patients and their families with the highest level of care and service, we also have an unwavering commitment to education and research.
The Department of Surgery is home to distinctive clinical programs and specialties. Our surgeons are more than highly skilled doctors. They are dedicated to delivering an exemplary patient experience across the full care continuum.
Patient Education & Support
Day Of Surgery Arrival Time
Strong Memorial Hospital Main Operating Room: Call (585) 275-8256 between 2:30pm and 7:00pm the business day prior to surgery for arrival time.
Strong Memorial Hospital Second Floor Operating Room (example: ophthalmology): Call (585) 273-4361 between 2:30pm and 4:30pm the business day prior to surgery for arrival time.
Sawgrass Surgery Center: You will be contacted with your arrival time between 2:00pm and 5:00pm on the business day prior to your procedure. You do not need to call yourself, however, if you have questions, please call (585) 242-1410.
Strong West Surgical Center: You will be contacted with your arrival time between 3:00pm and 4:00pm on the business day prior to your procedure. You do not need to call yourself, however, if you have questions, please call (585) 758-8700.
Highland Hospital: You will be called between 1:30pm and 4:00pm to verify your arrival time. If your surgery is on Monday, you will be called the Friday before your surgery. If your surgery is the day after a holiday, you will be called the last business day prior to your surgery. However, if you have questions, the surgical center phone number is (585) 341-6707.
Additional Instructions
If you’re feeling sick before your surgery, call the pre-surgical center or contact your surgeon's office.
Your family will be directed to a waiting area when you are taken to surgery. We ask that only one or two family members accompany you on the day of your procedure. Additional visitor restrictions are possible. Your family will be notified when your surgery is completed, and you have arrived on the patient care unit.
You will not be allowed to drive yourself home from the surgical center or hospital. You will not be allowed to use a city cab, Uber, Lyft, or bus unless accompanied by an adult (age at least 18) who is responsible for you. It is also strongly recommended you have a responsible adult available to assist you for the first 24 hours after discharge. If you are unable to find transportation, please call our office (585) 262-9150 to see what options may be available to you.
Preparing For Your Procedure
What Should I Bring To Surgery?
Only bring items that you will need before or after the procedure. Be prepared to leave items in your car or with your family/friend as there is no place to store items during the operation.
Bring the following the day of the procedure:
- Photo ID and insurance information.
- Eye glasses and/or hearing aids: These may be removed prior to surgery so be prepared to leave them with a trusted family member.
- Advance directives (if you have one)
- Court-issued guardianship document (for legal guardians)
- CPAP mask and machine (if you have sleep apnea).
- Support equipment if you have it (sling, knee brace, cane and walker)
- Crutches can be left in the car if only needed for after surgery.
- Loose-fitting clothing
- Dentures, hearing aids, glasses and other necessities
Do not bring the following:
- Before coming to the hospital, remove all makeup (including mascara), jewelry (including wedding band and watch), hair accessories and nail polish from toes and fingers.
- Do not bring any valuables (money, wallet, purse, jewelry, or contact lenses).
Should I Still Take My Medications Before Surgery?
Most medications are ok to continue without problem however there are some medications you may be asked to stop prior to surgery. On the morning of surgery, take only the medications you are instructed to take. Contact your surgeon or the pre-surgical center with any questions.
- It is recommended that any herbal supplement, vitamin E or fish oil be stopped 7-10 days prior to surgery.
- Blood thinning medications can require specific instructions: please don’t decide by yourself - talk to us or your surgeon for assistance.
- Certain weight loss medications: please don’t decide by yourself - talk to us or your surgeon for assistance.
- Diabetes medications can require specific instructions; please don’t decide by yourself - talk to us or your surgeon for assistance.
Pre-Surgical Eating and Drinking Guidelines
Follow these instructions below unless otherwise instructed by your surgeon or by the anesthesiology team. Failure to follow these instructions, could lead to a delay or cancellation of your procedure.
Adults: For Non-Bariatric Surgery
- No solid food after midnight the night before surgery. No candy, gum, mints or chewing tobacco.
- Stop all clear liquids 4 hours before surgery.
- Clear liquids include water, apple juice, clear sports drinks (Gatorade), clear carbonated beverages.
Adults: For Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric Surgery patients may not eat solid foods for 48 hours prior to surgery. Only clear liquids are permitted.
Children
- No solid food after midnight the night before surgery. No candy, gum, or mints.
- ONLY Clear liquids are ok up until 3 hours before surgery. Clear liquids include: Pedialyte, water or apple juice (without pulp) up to 3 hours before arrival.
Infants
- No infant cereal or other solid food after midnight prior to your child's procedure.
- Breast fed infants may have breast milk up to 4 hours before arrival.
- Formula fed infants can have formula up to 6 hours before arrival.
- Clear fluids are allowed up to three (3) hours prior to your child's procedure. This includes water, apple juice (without pulp), glucose water and Pedialyte. These are the only allowable fluids.