Surgical FAQs

Wondering what to expect or how to prepare?

At Newport Community Hospital our goal is to make you feel as comfortable as possible, so we made a list of the frequently asked questions concerning our surgery department.

Who can answer my insurance questions?

Please call Patient Financial Services prior to your surgery or procedure if you have questions regarding insurance benefits or financial assistance. (509) 447-9351
Contact Patient Financial Services

What do I do the day before my surgery/procedure?

If you doctor gave you any prep then begin that. Drink extra fluids (8 to 10 glasses of water) unless you are on a fluid restricted diet. Unless you are instructed otherwise, do not eat or drink anything after midnight. If you have any medications that you must take on a daily basis, please take with small sips of water (No aspirin or aspirin products).

If you are having abdominal surgery:

Practice taking several deep breaths and coughing while using a pillow or small folded blanket to splint (support) your abdomen. Also, practice getting in and out of bed without using your abdominal muscles.

What can I expect when I arrive at the hospital?

Come to the hospital at the time scheduled for you at your preoperative appointment. After registering at the admitting desk, you will be escorted or taken by wheelchair to your hospital room. You may have 1-2 people accompany you initially, but hospital staff may request that they wait in the waiting room during some aspects of your care. Parents of children can usually stay at the bedside throughout their child’s stay.

What do I need to do for pre-op?

When you arrive in your room you will be asked to remove all clothing including underwear and put on a hospital gown. Depending on the type of surgery and anesthesia you will receive, you will probably be asked to remove dentures or partials and glasses (contacts will need to be removed). You will be expected to leave all jewelry at home. Body piercing will be required to be removed and left at home also.

What happens during pre-op?

You will be made comfortable on a hospital stretcher bed. The pre-op nurses will complete your admission paperwork by asking you questions such as:

  • When was the last time you ate or drank?
  • What medications have you taken?
  • The nurse will also check your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. Any required additional blood work, EKG’s, enemas or IV’s will be completed at this time.

Do I have to have an I.V.?

All types of anesthesia on adult patients require an I.V. Some surgical procedures performed on children may not require an I.V. Children who require an I.V. may not have it started until after they are asleep. Once your I.V. is started you may be given sedative or other medication throught the I.V. as ordered by your physician or the anesthetist.

What happens when it’s time for surgery?

When your surgeon and the surgical crew are ready, you will be transported to the Surgical Suite. Your family members will be asked to wait in the waiting room, where they can be contacted by phone with updates on your condition during surgery.

What happens after surgery?

When your surgery is complete, you will be returned to the recovery room. Depending on the type of anesthesia you received, your condition may range from awake but drowsy, to breathing on your own but still partially asleep. You will be connected to a monitoring device so the staff can keep watch on your blood pressure, pulse, oxygen level, etc.

When can I see my family?

Your family can usually be allowed back at your bedside within an hour, at the discretion of the recovery room nurse. Sometimes your care needs require further delay, but in all cases your family will be allowed to see you as soon as your condition is considered stable.

When can I go home?

You will be discharged once the following criteria have been met:

  • You are fully awake/alert.
  • Your blood pressure, pulse, respirations, and temperature are within your pre-procedure range.
  • You are able to ambulate or move about as you did before the procedure. You will not be able to drive yourself home.
  • Will I have pain medication to take at home?
  • If your doctor leaves a prescription for pain medication, you will be given instructions on how to take it. Your nurse can also call most prescriptions to the pharmacy of your choice.

What if I have other questions?

If you have any questions, please ask! We don’t want you left with anything nagging at the back of your mind! After discharge you can call your surgeon’s office, or the hospital at (509) 447-2441, if you have further questions.