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Surgical Services

Our surgery center performs adult surgical procedures, including cardiac, general, gynecological, neurosurgical, oncologic, oral, orthopedic, plastic, podiatry, thoracic, urology, vascular, dental, ear nose and throat, and eye procedures.

Inova Alexandria Hospital's Same Day Surgery Center allows you to have your procedure and return to the comfort of your home within hours after surgery. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible before, during and after your surgery.

• Important Parking Information for Surgery Patients

Phone Numbers You May Need

Presurgical Testing Appointment Line:
703-208-2525
Presurgical Testing Department:
703-504-3530
Presurgical Testing Fax Number:
703-504-7895
Same Day Surgery:
703-504-3688
Financial Counseling:
703-504-3098

Preparing for Same Day Surgery

Here is an overview of how to prepare for, and what to expect of, your surgical experience. There are certain diagnostic tests that may be required before your surgery date. Please follow your physician?s instructions.

• Your Checklist Prior to Surgery
  
• Your Checklist the Day before Surgery
  
• Outpatient Interview
  
• Registration
  
• Preparation for Surgery
  
• Special Instructions for Children
  
• Same Day Surgery Brochure (pdf)
  
• Lo que necesita saber para prepararse para una Cirugía ambulatoria (pdf)
  (Same Day Surgery Brochure in Spanish)
  
• Day of Surgery
  
• After Surgery
  
• Discharge

Your Checklist Prior to Surgery

• Presurgical interview appointment scheduled
• Presurgical interview with a nurse completed
• Laboratory tests, EKG/X-ray results, history and physical, etc., completed (if applicable)
• Results of any above tests faxed to 703-504-7895

Your Checklist the Day before Surgery

• Verify arrangements for a responsible adult to accompany you home if you are to receive anesthesia services.
• Remove all jewelry and body piercing.
• Review and follow the dietary restrictions provided below.
• Leave all valuables at home.
• If notifitied, be prepared to provide a copayment.

Outpatient Interview

Once your surgery/procedure date is known, CALL THE PRESURGICAL TESTING APPOINTMENT LINE IMMEDIATELY AT 703-208-2525 to make your interview appointment. Have the following information available:

• all insurance cards
• Social Security number
• surgery date

At this time, you will be scheduled to speak with a nurse for either a telephone interview or in-person visit interview based on your particular surgical needs.

During this interview, we will review your medical history, complete any labs and EKG (if applicable) and provide important information needed to properly prepare you for your surgery. Anesthesia can be consulted where applicable. We can perform tests that your physician orders if your insurance carrier allows the hospital to do so. Bring any recent test results, EKG or X-ray reports with you to this interview or have the results faxed to 703-504-7895. You will need to arrive 30 minutes prior to your interview to complete the registration process.

If a phone interview is scheduled, it still may be necessary to have labs, EKG, etc., faxed to presurgical testing for review 48 hours prior to your procedure.

Free parking is available in the lot directly across from the hospital?s Patient Entrance. If necessary, you may park in the paid parking lot next to the Visitors? Entrance, and we can validate your parking ticket for this visit. Proceed to the Patient Entrance and to the Outpatient Center.

Registration

A member of the financial quality coordinator team will:

• Contact your insurance carrier to verify benefits. Some insurance carriers require precertification or preauthorization before testing and surgery. Please contact your carrier regarding their requirements.
  
  
• Contact you by phone to complete the registration process. He/she will confirm your demographic and insurance information.
  
  
• Discuss and make arrangements with you for any financial responsibilities not covered by your insurance carrier.

Payment arrangements must be made prior to services. Please be prepared to pay co-pays and deductibles prior to service. Payment may be made by credit card during your telephone interview with the financial quality coordinator. Payment on the day of service may be made by Visa, MasterCard, check or money order.

On the day of your surgical procedure, please bring with you:

• a photo ID
• insurance card(s)
• form of payment for your co-pay and deductible (if applicable)

Preparation for Surgery

The type of anesthesia your surgery requires will determine how to prepare yourself before you come to the hospital. Review the type of anesthesia procedure your physician recommended.

Instructions for Anesthesia

(general, epidural, brachial block, axillary block or local with monitored anesthesia care)

• Do not eat after midnight the night before surgery. This includes candy, mints and chewing gum. You may drink clear liquids no closer than two hours before your scheduled surgery time. Clear liquids include: water, apple juice, ginger ale, black coffee, tea. We recommend that you do not smoke within 12 hours of your surgery.
  
  
• To reduce bacteria on your skin, bathe or shower before arriving but do not apply lotion after bathing. Do not wear makeup, jewelry (including body piercing), watches, earrings or rings. Remove all nail polish. You may wear glasses or contacts to the hospital, but they will be removed before surgery so bring your glasses case or contact lens container. (The hospital cannot be responsible for valuables so leave them at home.)
  
  
• Because you will not be able to drive for 24 hours, an adult must accompany you or drive you home to help ensure your safety when you leave the hospital. transportation by taxi is acceptable only when a responsible adult accompanies you (in addition to the taxi driver). Plan to have a responsible person stay with you until you are capable of independent activity.
  
  
• In some instances, your physician may recommend that you be admitted to the hospital after surgery. It is a good idea to bring a small overnight bag with toiletries, a robe and slippers. If you have been using splints, slings or crutches before the operation, bring them with you.

Instructions for Strictly Local Anesthesia

If your physician prescribes a local anesthesia, we suggest you have a light meal before your surgery, such as tea and toast. If the surgery will interfere with your vision or ability to use your arms, hands, legs or feet, have someone accompany you.

Special Instructions for Children

Children preparing for surgery require special attention. Parents should be aware of dietary restrictions and make sure children follow them exactly, especially the morning of surgery. Patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the registration and surgical process.

It is reassuring for children to have a favorite toy or familiar item from home.

To help children and their parents prepare for surgery, we offer Hospital Heroes, a half-hour orientation program that includes an informative and reassuring tour of the areas where the children will be and the chance to ask any questions. Parents must register children in advance by calling 703-504-3688.

Day of Surgery

• Parking: Free parking is available in the lot directly across from the Surgery Entrance. If necessary you may park in the paid parking lot next to the Visitors? Entrance, and we can validate your parking ticket for this visit. Proceed to the Surgery Entrance.
  
  
• Sign In: When you and your escort arrive, report to the Same Day Surgery Center and enter through the doors marked "SURGERY." Have the person accompanying you sign the visitors? sign-in book so your physician and Same Day Surgery staff members can locate him or her.
  
  
• Interview: Several members of our staff will ask you questions to help ensure your safety during surgery.
  
  
• Change Clothes: You will change into a hospital gown, cap and slippers.
  
  
• Getting Ready for Surgery: Most patients having anesthesia other than local anesthesia will have intravenous fluids. You will be taken to the operating suite on a stretcher or in a wheelchair.
  
  
• Operating Room: Once you arrive in the operating suite, medical staff members will help you move onto the operating table. You will notice many lights over your head. The room will probably feel cool. The operating room nurse and nurse anesthetist will explain everything to you, and they will remain with you during surgery. Again, be sure to ask any questions you may have.

After Surgery

• Recovery: Following surgery, you will be taken to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit or the Same Day Surgery Unit, depending on the anesthetics used. You will be monitored until the major effects of the anesthesia wear off. During this recovery period, you may begin to experience some discomfort.
  
  
• Pain Control: Although some pain can be expected as your body responds to surgery, your nurse will work closely with you to provide pain control medications to reduce your pain. Because each pain experience is different, it is important to let your nurse know about any pain you have. You may be asked to rate your pain on a scale of 0 to 10 (0 = no pain, 10 = severe pain). This helps the nurse "measure" your pain to select the most effective pain control method.
  
  
• Final Stage: If you recovered in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, you will be moved to the Same Day Surgery Unit where your family or friend can join you. If you are to be admitted overnight, you will be taken to a patient room, and your family will be notified.

Discharge

• Prescriptions: Your prescriptions may be filled at Inova Alexandria Hospital's Outpatient Pharmacy while you are recovering. Payment is required at the time of service. Your prescription insurance card may be accepted and should be presented with the prescription. Patients with managed care contracts may be required to use designated pharmacies. Medicare does not cover take home prescription costs.
  
  
• Instructions: When you are ready for discharge, a nurse will review the instructions specific to your surgery and anesthesia type. A written copy of each will be given to you. Feel free to ask any questions prior to your discharge. You will be asked to voluntarily complete an electronic "Point of View" satisfaction survey. We welcome your feedback.
  
  
• Going Home: A staff member will escort you to the surgery doors where a family member or friend can pick you up. If you had anesthesia other than local:
  • Do not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol or make any major decisions for at least 24 hours.
  • Plan to rest for at least 12 hours after you get home. It is common to feel tired, dizzy, sleepy or slightly nauseated after a surgical procedure.

You can expect to receive a post-operative follow-up phone call from our nursing staff 24 to 48 hours after you are discharged.