What to Expect

A step-by-step guide to your surgical experience at RIVA Surgery Center.

Before your procedure

Receive your pre-op instructions

• Your surgeon’s office will give you specific pre-operative instructions
• Complete any required pre-operative testing — labs, EKG, imaging — as ordered
• Tell your care team about all medications, supplements, and allergies
• Fill any post-operative prescriptions in advance

Plan your day

• Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home — you cannot drive after anesthesia
• Have a responsible adult stay with you for the first 24 hours after you are discharged
• Follow all fasting and medication instructions from your care team
• Arrive at the time given in your instructions, usually 1–2 hours before your procedure

Day of surgery

Arrival and check-in

• Check in at the front desk with your photo ID and insurance card
• A family member or friend may wait in our waiting area

Getting ready for surgery

• Our nursing team will greet you, take your vital signs, and prepare you for surgery
• You will meet the anesthesia team to review your anesthesia plan
• Your surgeon will review the procedure and answer any last questions

Recovery

• You will recover in our Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) under close nursing supervision
• Pain, nausea, and comfort are monitored and managed throughout your recovery
• Most patients go home within 1–3 hours after their procedure

After your procedure

Going home

• You will receive written discharge instructions before you leave
• Your driver must be present before you can be discharged

Recovering at home

• Take prescribed medications as directed
• Follow all activity restrictions from your surgeon
• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
• Call your surgeon’s office with any unexpected symptoms
• Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 for serious symptoms

What to bring

• Photo ID — driver’s license or passport
• Your insurance card
• A current list of your medications and doses
• Any pre-operative test results or imaging you were asked to bring
• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
• A case for your glasses, hearing aids, or dentures
• Your advance directive, if you have one

Who to call

For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.