Follow these guidelines the day before your surgery to ensure that your surgical procedure goes smoothly:

• Arrange in advance for a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you for the first 24 hours following surgery. Your family member or companion should remain at the surgery center throughout your stay. You cannot drive yourself home or be left alone. If you are taking a cab, or other mode of public transportation, you will not be able to leave the surgery center unless you have someone with you to accompany you home.
• Before coming to the surgery center, notify your physician if there is any change in your physical condition, such as a cold or fever.
• If you have not spoken to a nurse regarding your medical history the day prior to surgery, please call the surgery center at 847.213.5458 for specific instructions.
• If you wear contact lenses but also own glasses, it is preferable that you wear glasses on the day of your surgery. If you do not own glasses, be sure to bring a contact lens storage case since they must be removed prior to surgery.
• We will provide containers for removable dentures and bridgework.
• The night before your surgery, you may eat a light snack before midnight (12:00 AM). Do not eat or drink anything after midnight – this includes coffee, water, chewing gum, mints, hard candy or Tums. This will reduce the possibility of nausea and vomiting following anesthesia. You may brush your teeth, but remember not to swallow anything. Refrain from the use of cigarettes or other tobacco products. Failure to follow these instructions may result in cancellation of your surgery.
• Do not take any medication after midnight, unless instructed to do so by your physician or a nurse from the surgery center. If you are diabetic or on blood pressure or heart medication, obtain specific instructions from your physician or contact the surgery center.

To help us meet all of your needs, please follow these guidelines:

• Bathe or shower prior to your surgery. Remove all makeup, and do not use lotions or oils after bathing.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing such as sweat suits and easy-to-button shirts or blouses that are big enough to accommodate a large bandage after surgery. Wear comfortable shoes with low heels. Please remove all body piercings, including earrings.
• Leave all valuables, including jewelry and cash, at home. We cannot be responsible for damaged or lost property.
• Bring a list of all of your regular medications (including dose, frequency and purpose) with you on the day of surgery, both prescription and non-prescription.
• Be prepared to sign a form giving your consent for the operation. If the patient is less than 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must accompany the patient and sign the consent form.
• Bring all insurance cards and your driver’s license with you to the surgery center. See the section on Financial for more information.
• Arrive 60 minutes prior to your scheduled surgery, unless directed otherwise.
• Once you arrive in the Pre-Operative area, a nurse will provide you with a patient gown, slippers, and a locker to store your clothing. We will also check your temperature, blood pressure, and pulse and ask you to empty your bladder before surgery.
• Your family member or companion will be asked to wait in the surgery center’s waiting room. The surgeon will speak to your family member or companion immediately following surgery.
• Female patients between the ages of 12 and 50 years old may be asked to provide a urine sample prior to their procedure.

To help you facilitate a successful recovery, please follow these guidelines:

• Before you leave the surgery center, you will be given written instructions for your post-operative care at home.
• After you have returned home, be sure to follow your physician’s orders regarding diet, rest, medication, and activity. It is not unusual to feel a little sleepy, light-headed or dizzy for several hours following your surgery. Do not sign any important papers or make any significant decisions for at least 24 hours.
• If you have any questions or problems after surgery, please contact your physician.
• A nurse from Illinois Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery Center will phone you within a few days following your surgery to see how you are and to answer any additional questions you may have.
• Do not drive a car, smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, operate machinery or cook for 24 hours following your surgery.
• Wash your hands frequently.

At Illinois Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery Center, we work hard to meet the special needs of children and create a relaxed, comfortable environment. Children are encouraged to bring a favorite toy or blanket to the surgery center.

We recommend that parents discuss the upcoming surgical procedure with their child to help alleviate stress. Parents also stay with their child until surgery begins and will rejoin their child in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (Recovery Room) as soon as it’s appropriate. Upon discharge from the surgery center, we recommend that one adult drives home while another cares for their child.

A parent or legal guardian should be prepared to sign a form giving consent for the surgical procedure.

Under all circumstances except for cases performed under local anesthesia, remember:

• Do not eat or drink anything, including coffee, water, chewing gum, mints, hard candy or Tums, after midnight the night before your surgery.
• Bring all of your medications with you for review during your anesthesia planning. If you have any questions about your planned anesthesia, please call 847-213-5480.
• Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you for the first 24 hours following surgery.
• If you experience any change in your physical condition prior to your scheduled surgery (such as a cold, fever, etc.), please notify your surgeon immediately. It is possible that your surgical procedure may need to be postponed.