Preparing for Your Surgery or Procedure

Preparing for Your Surgery or Procedure

Our experienced surgical and endoscopy team will ensure you are prepared for your scheduled surgery or outpatient procedure, whether it’s at the Elliot Hospital or at our 1-Day Surgery & Endoscopy Center.

Although we’ll customize your treatment plan for your particular procedure or surgery as either an inpatient or an outpatient, there are a few basics you can expect.

Preparing for Your Surgery

  • A nurse will call you prior to your procedure date to review your health history, medication list, allergies, pre-procedural instructions, and arrival time. At this time, you’ll have an opportunity to ask any questions or share concerns you might have related to your procedure.

  • Notify your surgeon/provider of any changes in your physical condition such as a bad cold or sore throat. If your surgery is scheduled for the 1-Day Surgery & Endoscopy Center, you also may call the outpatient center at 603-663-5900.
  • Strictly follow your eating and drinking instructions given to you by the pre-op call nurse. If instructions are not followed, your procedure may need to be delayed or rescheduled.
  • Take medications as directed by your surgeon/provider. This includes all herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications. Your pre-op call nurse will assist you with any questions you may have.

  • Take medications as directed by your surgeon/provider.
  • Shower or bathe prior to arrival.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Remove makeup, nail polish, hairspray, gels, perfumes, aftershave, lotions, and deodorant.
  • Remove all jewelry and body piercings, leaving all valuables at home.
  • Remove contact lenses and bring a case for your glasses.
  • If you wear a hearing aid, please bring it with you so that you can hear the instructions.
  • Bring your pre-fitted crutches or sling to take with you.
  • For pediatric patients: Bring along a favorite toy, blanket, pacifier, and bottle, if needed.
  • If you have developed a cold, cough, fever, or flu, please notify your surgeon immediately. You may also call our facility at 603-663-5900.

  • For your convenience and to ensure prompt arrival, free valet parking is available at our 1-Day Surgery & Endoscopy Center. You must have a responsible adult available to drive you home, and it’s recommended that an adult stay with you for the first 24 hours.

  • For outpatient procedures, please check in at the 1-Day Surgery & Endoscopy Center registration desk on the fourth floor of the medical building at Elliot at River’s Edge, 185 Queen City Avenue, in Manchester.
  • The anesthesiologist will meet with you to discuss the type of anesthesia you’ll be receiving, as well as answer your questions and address your concerns.
  • Family and friends are invited to wait for you in your private room. Please note procedure times are approximate. Allow for flexibility in your schedule and for your ride home. The procedure time and wait time depend upon the type of procedure and needed recovery time.
  • For the convenience of your family and friends, we have Wi-Fi and a cafeteria (with computers available for public use) in the building. Family and friends also are invited to relax in our Reflection Area on the fourth floor where they’ll have a panoramic view of Manchester.

  • Before you’re discharged, we’ll review post-procedure instructions with you and a responsible adult. You’ll also receive a copy of the instructions to bring home.
  • A registered nurse will call you to check on your recovery. To protect your privacy, we won’t leave detailed messages on voicemail or answering machines.