Women’s Surgical Services

Family Waiting

While your procedure is being performed, your family or friends may wait in the family waiting area located in the Women’s Medical Center Lobby or an assigned patient room. After your procedure, your physician will meet with your family or friends to report any results and your condition. Following are a few ways your family or friends can help our staff stay in touch with them while you are in surgery:

During the procedure, please have them wait in the immediate lobby area. If the nurse or doctor has indicated that they will have time to go to the cafeteria, they should check in with the hostess prior to leaving and on return to the lobby.
The designated family member or friend may becontacted more than once during the surgery. The Operating Room staff may call to provide updates during longer procedures.
Your caregiver may be called more than once during the surgery. They may be escorted to a private room for a post-procedure consultation with the surgeon.
After surgery, you will probably spend an hour or more in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (Recovery Room). If your family or friends must leave the lobby during this time, they should notify the hostess desk. When you are ready to leave the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, your caregiver will be notified of next steps.

After the Procedure

After the procedure, patients are taken to the Post- Anesthesia Care Unit. The length of time you stay in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit will depend on the type of surgery you have had, physician orders, and your condition.

OUTPATIENT

If you are an outpatient, you will be moved to a private room in the Women’s Surgery area following your recovery period. You will be observed to ensure you are tolerating liquids by mouth and your blood pressure and pulse are at levels within normal limits. Depending on your procedure, you may be required to empty your bladder prior to discharge. Your length of stay in the post-recovery area will depend on your procedure.

Instructions for your post-procedure care will be reviewed with you and your family member or friend prior to discharge. All patients are required to have a responsible adult present at the time of discharge to drive them home and remain with them for at least 24 hours after surgery. If you are scheduled as an outpatient and your physician decides that further observation is necessary, or that you need more time to recover from your procedure, you may be admitted to the hospital.

INPATIENT

Following the recovery period, patients who have undergone an inpatient procedure will be moved to a room on one of our patient care floors. When you arrive at your room, your nurse will monitor your vital signs, evaluate your condition, and make you as comfortable as possible. Family and friends can join you in the room once a nurse performs a post-surgical assessment. The length of your hospital stay will depend on the type of surgery you have undergone. Your nurse will advise you of your approximate discharge time on the day of your departure. Please make arrangements to have a responsible adult pick you up within an hour of your designated discharge time. You may receive a visit from a financial counselor before discharge for review of additional documentation.

PHARMACY Your Prescription for a Strong Recovery.

After a stay in the hospital, whether long or short, there are often many instructions to guide your care and recovery once you get home. If prescription medications or other health care supplies are a part of your discharge plan, you should be prepared to stop and pick these up on your way home.

TIPS FOR SAFER SURGERY

Millions of people have surgery each year. Every surgery has risks, but we know there are some things we can do to avoid possible complications. What does this mean to you as a patient? Below are some of the steps the doctors and nurses at Brookwood Baptist Health follow in an effort to provide shorter and safer hospital stays for our patients.

To Help Prevent Infection

At Brookwood Baptist Health, we closely follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)’s recommendations for the prevention of surgical site infection. Here are a few ways we aim to control infection rates:

Antibiotics are typically given about 60 minutes prior to surgery and are stopped within 24 hours, in most cases.
A special soap containing Chlorahexidine (CHG) will be given to you in the pre-admission testing area. You should use it the night before and the morning before surgery to reduce the numbers of bacteria that normally live on the body. If you do not come to pre-admission testing, you can also buy CHG soap at most drug stores or Wal-Mart.

There are other things you should know to help wound healing and decrease the risk of infection. Factors such as smoking, diabetes and certain medications may have an effect on your body’s ability to heal after surgery.

HOW TO HELP WOUND HEALING & DECREASE THE RISK OF INFECTION

Stop smoking at least a week before surgery and while you are healing after surgery.
Do not use a nicotine patch or gum without talking about it with your doctor.
Eat well balanced, nutritious meals.
Drink plenty of water (8, 8-oz. glasses per day) unless you are told otherwise.
Follow the wound care instructions as directed.
Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after taking care of your wound. Do not touch your wound any more than necessary.
If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar and take your medicine as ordered.
Take a bath every day with antibacterial soap. Make sure to use a clean wash cloth and towel each time.
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water or use an antibacterial hand sanitizer.
Do not use hot tubs or get in a swimming pool until your wound is completely healed.
Change the sheets on your bed often, at least weekly. If there is any drainage from your wound, change more often.

CASE MANAGEMENT & DISCHARGE PLANNING

Case Management is a program designed to ensure that you will receive the most appropriate and efficient care possible while you are a patient at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center. Your case manager is a registered nurse who has advanced knowledge and experience with patients who have health problems similar to yours. The case manager will work with your physician, nurses and other professionals within the hospital to coordinate the services that are provided for you.

Discharge Planning begins when you first meet with your Case Manager or Discharge Planner. This ensures a safe and timely transition to your next level of care. In most cases, you should know your potential discharge day within 24-48 hours of going home. If unsure, ask your nurse or case manager. Should you or your physician choose home health services, outpatient physical therapy, skilled nursing facility services or inpatient rehab, your case manager will assist in making these arrangements. Services may be limited based on your personal insurance benefits. Please call your insurer if you have any questions regarding your coverage.

IN CLOSING

When you return home, be sure to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your physician and hospital staff. It’s important to follow your physician’s advice for the timing of your follow-up office visit. Should you have any questions or concerns in the days following your procedure, please call your physician’s office directly.

We hope this booklet has provided you with valuable information concerning your scheduled procedure. Thank you for choosing the women’s surgical services at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center for your health care needs. We strive to exceed your expectations and to provide high-quality care.