Welcome To Our Center Thank you for choosing Meridian Surgery Center for your procedure. Our team works hard to ensure that you feel at ease while you are with us. We will work closely with you to make this as pleasant an experience as possible.
Our goal is to provide you with the best, most effective care so that you can return to your normal activities as quickly as possible. If you have any questions or concerns while you are in our care, we encourage you to ask any member of our team. We will be happy to answer your questions or to assist you.
The information contained here applies to all patients who are here for surgery, endoscopy, or pain relief procedures. We hope that it is helpful in preparing you for your procedure or treatment. If you have specific questions that are not answered here, please ask your physician, or call a preoperative (Pre-Op) team member at 601-485-4443.
Convenient Pre-Registration
Please visit our center one week before your procedure to pre-register. Bring your insurance card and a photo identification card such as your driver’s license.
Preparing For Your Procedure
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before your procedure, unless you have been given special instructions by your physician. This is extremely important. You could have serious complications if your stomach is not empty during surgery. Please ask your physician or call a Pre-Op team member at Meridian Surgery Center if you have questions about eating and drinking before your procedure.
Children are scheduled as early in the day as possible. If your child is having surgery, please be sure that he or she does not eat or drink anything after midnight. If your child is an infant, our anesthesiologist may have additional instructions for you.
If you or your child are taking medication for heart problems, high blood pressure, or diabetes, call one of our Pre-Op team members to discuss proper instructions about taking the medication on the day of surgery.
If you develop any changes in your health between the Pre-Op visit to your physician and the day of the procedure, notify your physician. Please report even minor changes such as an elevated temperature, cough or cold. If you suspect that you are pregnant, please notify your physician.
For your own safety and protection, you will not be allowed to drive a motor vehicle following your procedure. Please make arrangements to have someone bring you to and escort you home from our center. Verification of the driver will be made prior to any procedure requiring sedation. Parents may want to have an additional adult to assist in accompanying a child home.
Day Of Your Procedure
Bathe or shower and brush your teeth the morning of your surgery. Do not swallow any water. Nail polish and contact lenses should be removed. Do not use perfumes, colognes or body lotions.
Wear warm, loose fitting comfortable clothes. Shirts with front buttons or zippers are best. Wear sensible shoes to allow safe walking.
Leave valuables at home. There is no safe storage area for these items at the center. Remove all jewelry and body piercing studs before leaving for the center. If your tongue is pierced, remove the stud. In case of an emergency, the stud can be an obstruction for placing lifesaving breathing instruments.
If you wear eye glasses, contacts lenses or dentures, bring an appropriate storage case because you will be asked to remove them prior to your procedure.
Limit the number of people accompanying you. To maximize the comfort of everyone waiting, we request that only one person come with you.
If you have not pre-registered at the surgical center be sure to bring your insurance card and a photo identification card such as a driver’s license with you the day of your procedure.
Female patients: be prepared to give a urine sample. All female patients who have menstrual periods, regardless of age, will have a urine pregnancy test done prior to beginning any procedure.
It is normal to feel anxious or a little nervous before your procedure.
In the Pre-Op area you will be asked the name of your physician and to state what procedure you are to have. This is done to help ensure that you have been properly informed. If you are unclear about your procedure, this is the time to ask questions. We will be happy to ask your physician to speak to you.
Before anything else is done a member of our Pre-Op team will ask you to sign two consent forms. One gives the Meridian Surgery Center your permission to perform the procedure and the other is to allow the anesthesia team to care for you during the procedure.
After Your Procedure
Following your procedure, you will be moved to our fully equipped recovery area. There, you will be closely monitored by our anesthesia and nursing team. The length of stay varies, and many patients are discharged within 30 minutes after their procedure.
We will bring one designated family member to the PACU (recovery room) when you are stable.
After You Return Home
Your recovery room nurse will provide you with post-procedure instructions regarding diet, rest and medication. Plan to have someone stay with you for at least 12 hours following your procedure, and pamper yourself during this time.
Since it is normal to feel drowsy after receiving anesthetic medication, we also recommend that you postpone the following activities for 24 hours after your procedure:
- Driving and operating equipment
- Signing important papers
- Making significant decisions
- Drinking alcoholic beverages
Contacting Your Physician
If you have questions after your procedure, please contact your physician through his or her office.
If you have an emergency, please contact the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 for assistance.
Some Helpful Suggestions
If your physician has given you a prescription, have it filled before your procedure. Then, after you return home, you will have the medication available when you need it.
It is not unusual to forget small details, so write down any questions you may have and bring them with you. We will be happy to provide you with appropriate information.
It is a good idea to have someone stay with you for the first 12 hours after you return home. Rest and pamper yourself during this time.
In case of emergency, contact your physician, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.
2009 Meridian Surgery Center
All rights reserved. (5/09)
MeridianSurgeryCenter.com
2100 13th Street
Meridian, Mississippi 39301
(601) 485-4443
Website designed and
maintained by Bell Graphics Inc.
(941) 792-6030