What To Expect on the Day of Your Procedure

Helping You Prepare for the Day of Your Surgery 

We know having to get surgery is stressful. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more at ease with the process.  

At Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), surgery can be performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Inpatient means you will have to be admitted to the hospital. Outpatient means you are not hospitalized and can go home after the procedure.  

If you are leaving the hospital on the same day, you will need to make certain preparations to get home. If you are staying overnight, you will need to plan what to bring with you.  

How you prepare for the day of your surgery will depend on these factors. Your care team and surgeon will give you specific instructions. You may need to shower with a specific soap or follow a certain diet. Do not apply lotions or wear makeup, and wear glasses instead of contacts if you have them. Do not bring any jewelry or valuables with you.

When You Arrive

You should arrive 1.5 hours before the time your surgery is scheduled to begin. Call your surgeon’s office between 2:30 and 4:30 pm the day before your surgery to confirm your arrival time and where you should check in. If your surgery is on Monday, please call on Friday. 

When you arrive, you will be taken to a pre-operative holding area to get ready for surgery. If you are going home the day of surgery, your escort should be available to take you home within two hours of the end of your procedure unless otherwise directed. 

The nurse will show anyone who comes with you where to during your procedure. The surgeon or nurse from the surgical team will talk to them when the procedure is over.

After Your Procedure

After the surgery, you will go to a recovery area (post-anesthesia care unit, or PACU) until you are ready to go to your room or be discharged. 

If you are going home the day of surgery, it is crucial that you request a responsible adult to drive you home. Do not drive until cleared by your surgeon and especially if you are taking a narcotic medication for pain. You should also plan for someone to stay with you for at least 24 hours. Make sure you follow your discharge plan. Learn more about what to expect after surgery.