Day of Procedure- At the Hospital
When You Arrive
- Arrive at the main entrance of the hospital the morning of your procedure for registration.
- Bring your picture ID and your insurance card(s). You will need these to complete the registration process.
- Copays will be collected at registration, if required.
- After checking-in, we will begin to prepare you for surgery. We review all of your paperwork and ensure that your procedure is scheduled accurately as well as any other important health care information is noted.
- Depending on the type of surgery, we may perform additional steps to reduce your risk of surgical site infection. This may include using a nasal swab to kill germs in your nose or special cleaning cloths to kill germs on and around your surgical site.
Waiting Areas
Upon entering the hospital, visitors should check in with a Guest Services representative at the front desk to confirm arrival. Status tracking boards in each waiting area follow the progress of the patient's procedure in real-time.
Bringing a jacket or sweater is suggested, as waiting rooms may be cool, and also pack items to pass the time, such as books or devices. Dining options include the Cafés located on the ground floors.
The visitation restrictions at UNC Health Johnston are subject to change, please be sure to check before planning who will wait with a patient having a procedure. Free Wi-Fi is available under the network name "Guest-UNCHealth." Please check in with reception if leaving the waiting area, to allow for continued timely updates.
Infection Prevention
At UNC Health Johnston, we are committed to your health and wellbeing. Here are a few things we do to prevent the site of your procedure from becoming infected.
- We clean our hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand gel before and after caring for each patient.
- We will use clippers, not a razor, to remove any hair near your surgery or procedure site.
- Your surgical team will clean their hands and arms with antimicrobial soap and wear hair covers, gowns, masks, and gloves in the operating or procedure room.
- We will clean your skin at the site of surgery with a special soap that kills germs.
- We may give you antibiotics before or during your procedure.
- Depending on the type of surgery, we may perform additional steps to reduce your risk of surgical site infection. This may include using a nasal swab to kill germs in your nose or special cleaning cloths to kill germs on and around your surgical site.
What You Can Do To Help Prevent Infection Before Your Surgery
- Discuss any health problems, such as diabetes, that you have with your doctor. Good control of your blood sugars will help reduce the risk of getting an infection.
- Quit smoking.
- Shower or bathe and shampoo the night before and/or morning of surgery. If you are provided special soap, use soap as instructed (see instructions in the back of this booklet).
- After showering, DO NOT apply makeup, deodorant, lotion, powder or perfumes.
- Prior to surgery, please make sure clean bedsheets are applied to your bed and clean pajamas are available when you return to your home after surgery.
- Do NOT shave or wax the area near your procedural site within 48 hours of your procedure.
What You Can Do To Help Prevent Infection During Recovery
- Ask your provider to clean their hands before examining the site.
- Do not allow visitors to touch the surgical wound or dressings.
- Ask all family and friends that visit with you to wash their hand before and after visiting you.
- Always clean YOUR hands as well before caring for your wound.
- Make sure you have clean bedsheets.
- Make sure you wear clean clothes.
- If you experience any signs and symptoms of infection, such as redness, pain, drainage or fever, call your doctor immediately.
*After office hours call the main UNC Health Johnston hospital number, 919-934-8171, and have the operator page the surgeon or whoever is on call for the practice. If you are still unable to reach your surgeon and need to be seen by a physician, report to UNC Health Johnston Emergency Department. If it is an emergency dial 9-1-1.
Anesthesia During Your Procedure
What is Anesthesia
Anesthesia is used to manage pain during surgery or procedures. There are a few different types. You will meet with the anesthesiologist prior to surgery to discuss which type will be used for you during your procedure.
What determines the type of anesthesia that is best for you?
- Past and current health
- Type of procedure
- Results of blood test, EKG, and other health studies
Types of Anesthesia
General Anesthesia
- Administered through an IV or a mask.
- You are unconscious and have no awareness or other sensations.
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Possible Side Effects: Nausea and vomiting, Metallic taste, Sleepiness, Sore throat, Shivering, Dry mouth
Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC)
- Sedative medicines administered through your IV, which may make you drowsy or fall asleep.
- You are not unconscious but may not remember your procedure.
- Possible Side Effects: Nausea and vomiting, Sore throat, Sleepiness
Regional Anesthesia
- Blocks sensation of pain to a portion of the body.
- First, you may be given medicine through your IV to help you relax.
- Then, anesthesia is injected around specific nerves to block pain.
- This medicine may keep you pain-free or lessen the pain for up to 72 hours.
- Possible Side Effects: Headache, Back pain, Difficulty urinating
The Recovery Process After Your Surgery
Following your procedure, you will be in the post anesthesia care unit, also called PACU or Recovery Room. Recovery time varies for each patient. Family members are not usually permitted in this area. Exceptions are sometimes made for situations such as pediatrics.
After recovered in the PACU, you will be moved to Same Day Surgery if you are going to be discharged. Family members and/or your driver will then be requested to join you.
Discharge Instructions for Your Recovery
Discharge instructions will be reviewed with you and your driver or family member, who must be 18 or older. You will receive a copy of your discharge instructions regarding your recovery, pain and nausea, signs and symptoms of infection and possible bleeding.
- Your surgeon may provide you with specific instructions to aide in your recovery that are specific to your surgery and outcomes.
- Any prescriptions the surgeon may prescribe will be sent electronically to your pharmacy of choice. You may choose to send your prescriptions to the Johnston Health Outpatient Pharmacy for your convenience as well.
- Do not drive or use any complicated machinery for 24 hours.
- Do not make important decisions or sign any legal documents for 24 hours.
- You will need to have someone stay with you that is 18 years of age or older for 24 hours. If you have any problems once you are at home, go to your nearest emergency room or call your surgeon’s office. Your surgeon’s phone number can be found on your discharge instructions inside the discharge folder.
Pain and Nausea Management
Pain Management
Your comfort is very important to your recovery. At UNC Health Johnston we strive to control your pain after your procedure. Your doctor may send a prescription for pain medication to your pharmacy. Take this pain medication as prescribed. It may not completely relieve your pain but should keep your pain at a manageable level. If you experience severe pain that is unrelieved by your medications, notify your surgeon. You may also use ice, and if you had surgery on an arm or leg, elevate it to help with pain relief.
Nausea/ Vomiting
Nausea may be a side effect of anesthesia or some types of surgeries. Please tell your anesthesiologist if you have had nausea in the past after receiving anesthesia (or just nausea in general). Medicine can be given before and/or after your procedure for your comfort. If you are experiencing side effects from any medicine given to you (nausea, itching, etc.) please tell your nurse.
Pain and pain medicine can sometimes cause nausea as well. If you experience nausea or vomiting, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Choose water or other caffeine-free clear liquids until you feel better. When you are able to eat, try clear soups, mild foods, and liquids until all symptoms are gone.
Bleeding
After surgery, it is common to have some minor oozing from the incision. If you experience bleeding that soaks one or more bandages over 2 to 4 hours, notify your surgeon.
