Please review the following guidelines for your day of surgery at UPMC Presbyterian or UPMC Montefiore:
- If your doctor instructed you to take a medication, do so with a small sip of water.
- Shower or bathe with Hibiclens® or an antibacterial soap.
- Do not apply hair spray, scented body lotion, or perfume.
- Do not wear nail polish or makeup.
- Remove all body piercings.
- Wear loose comfortable clothing; button-down shirts are best.
- Avoid candy or chewing gum the day of surgery.
- Leave all valuables and jewelry — including watches, wedding rings, necklaces, and earrings — at home.
- If you have sleep apnea, bring your CPAP machine with you.
- If you wear glasses, contact lenses, dentures, or hearing aids, bring storage cases for them.
Please arrange for a responsible adult, over the age of 18, to:
- Drive you home after surgery.
- Assist you at home for the first 24 hours after surgery.
If you're scheduled for surgery at UPMC Montefiore Ambulatory Surgery (floor 6), free parking is available outside of the unit at 259 Darragh St.
When you arrive for surgery at UPMC Presbyterian or UPMC Montefiore
After a brief wait in the Family Lounge, a nurse will take you to a room to get ready.
Before you go to the pre-op holding room, your family or friend may rejoin you until it's time for surgery.
We try to keep your wait as short as possible. At times, there may be a delay if a surgery before yours takes longer than expected.
During your operation
During your operation, your family member or friend should sign in at the desk in the Family Lounge.
In or near the waiting rooms, your loved ones will find the following:
- Magazines
- Computers
- TV
- Restrooms
- Phones
- Vending machines
They also may go to other areas of the hospital, such as the cafeterias or gift shops.
A staff member will update your family or friend on how your surgery is going.
As soon as possible after the operation, the surgeon will talk with your family or friend about your surgery. He or she will explain what to expect in the next few days.
After your operation
After your operation:
- A member from the surgical team will take you to a recovery room, called the Post Anesthesia Care Unit or PACU (pronounced PACK-you).
- While you slowly wake up, the nursing staff will watch you closely.
- Once awake, a nurse will take you back to Ambulatory Surgery, where your family or friend can join you.
Your doctor and nurse will decide when you are ready to leave the hospital. Until then, you may not leave the hospital — no matter what kind of surgery you've had.
Once your care team discharges you, you must have an adult drive you home.
Some patients may need an overnight stay for extra care. We will admit these patients to UPMC Presbyterian or UPMC Montefiore.