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Pre-operative Information

At Lakewalk Surgery Center, we want to make your outpatient surgery experience as pleasant as possible. Please call us at 218-728-0650 or email from our Contact page if you have any questions, concerns, special needs or requests.

Patients generally need to arrive about one hour before surgery. You’ll be called by Lakewalk 1-2 days prior to confirm the exact date and time. If you won’t be available at your normal home phone number, please let us know where you can be reached. If you have not talked with one of our staff nurses by 2:00 p.m. the day before your surgery, call Lakewalk for confirmation.

Patient Instructions

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery. Your stomach must be empty. Do not chew gum or smoke. You may brush your teeth the morning of your surgery.
• Do not use alcohol or tobacco within 24 hours of surgery.
• Do not take anti-inflammatories, vitamins or herbal medicines for 1-2 weeks prior to your surgery. (Examples include ASPIRIN, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Nuprin, etc.) If you are unsure of a medication, please ask your doctor. Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) is safe to use.
• If you take medication(s) daily, take them as usual the morning of surgery with a SIP of water. Bring both a list of your medications and the medications themselves with you on the day of surgery.
• If you are diabetic and use insulin, please ask your doctor about pre-surgery insulin dosage. Bring your insulin with you.
• Please bathe or shower the evening before or the morning of surgery.
• Do not wear make-up, perfume, cologne, jewelry or nail polish.
• Eyeglasses, contact lenses, and dentures may need to be removed and stored in proper containers before surgery. Please bring containers with you.
• If you have a cold, sore throat, fever, or other illness 24 hours prior to surgery, please call your doctor as soon as possible. If you cannot reach your doctor, please report your illness to our medical staff at Lakewalk.
• If you have any allergies to medications, latex, tape, soap or foods, please inform your doctor and Lakewalk Surgery Center beforehand.
• If a special prep or medication has been prescribed by your physician for use prior to your surgery, please follow the instructions closely.
• YOU MUST MAKE ARRANGEMENTS IN ADVANCE for someone to drive you home after your discharge. Under no circumstances will you be allowed to operate a motor vehicle if you have received sedation or general anesthesia.

Before Your Surgery

In most cases, you will be required to undergo a physical exam and some routine lab tests about two weeks prior to your surgery. Often your physician’s office can help arrange this for you, or you can call Lakewalk Surgery Center for assistance.

Outside the Lakewalk Center entrance is a canopied drop-off area and free parking. A main-floor facility allows easy access to the reception desk, where you will register for your procedure.

Next, you will meet in a private consultation area with your health care team. Our staff will show you to a private room where you can prepare for your surgery.

After Your Surgery

Depending on your anesthesia, you may begin in the Level One Recovery Care Unit or return directly to your private room to complete your recovery. Your family can meet with you there if you wish.

Recovery generally lasts a few hours, but Lakewalk is licensed for 23-hour care as needed. When you’re ready, you and your family may use our private patient exit.

Remember, for your safety, you will NOT be allowed to drive yourself home after your surgery. Please plan to have someone drive you to and from Lakewalk Surgery Center