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PRE-OPERATIVE INFORMATION

It’s very important to us that your outpatient surgery experience is as pleasant as possible. Prior to your procedure, please review the instructions below, and call us with any questions, requests, or special needs at (218) 728-0650.

We will contact you one to two days prior to confirm the exact date and time of your surgery. If you will not be available at your primary phone number, please let us know how we can reach you. If you have not spoken with one of our nurses by 2 p.m. the day before your surgery, please call Lakewalk for confirmation.

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Patient Instructions

Patients should arrive about one hour prior to their surgery.

Please do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight the night before surgery. Your stomach must be empty. Do not chew gum, suck on candy or smoke. You may brush your teeth the morning of your surgery.

Please do not use alcohol or tobacco within 24 hours of surgery.

Please do not take anti-inflammatories, vitamins, or herbal medicines for one to two weeks prior to your surgery. (Examples include Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Nuprin, etc.) Please follow your surgeon's instructions for aspirin use before and after surgery. If you are unsure of a medication, please ask your doctor. Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) is safe to use. If you are taking Coumadin (Warfarin), please check with your doctor.

If you take medication(s) daily, especially blood pressure medications, 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 with anti-bacterial soap.

Please do not wear make-up, perfume, cologne, jewelry, or nail polish on the area where you are having surgery.

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 Surgery Center.

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 surgery and stay with you 24 hours after your discharge. Under no circumstances will you be allowed to operate a motor vehicle if you have received sedation or general anesthesia.

Please know that advanced directives (living wills) are not honored at Lakewalk Surgery Center.

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. This should be completed within 30 days 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 Surgery 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. Bring your insurance card and driver's license with you so that we can make a copy of it during your registration.

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.

During Your Surgery

One family or friend who accompanies you to Lakewalk may wait in your room or in our waiting room. They may provide a cell phone number, which allows them to leave the Lakewalk to do other activities, such as visit the nearby Rose Garden or Lakewalk.

Our staff will contact the individual who accompanies you via cell phone when they may see you, and assist with your discharge. The family member/friend who leaves the facility should stay in the immediate area and be able to return within 5 or 10 minutes when called.

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 or friends 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.