Day of Surgery

  • What Happens at the Hospital

What Happens at the Hospital

It's perfectly normal to feel a little uneasy about surgery. That's why we think it's important that you know what to expect at the hospital.

Family and Friends

When it is time for your surgery, family members or friends may be able to go with you part of the way to the operating room. They will then be shown to a waiting room where the surgeon will talk to them as soon as possible after your operation. If you have a long surgery, your visitors will also be updated on your progress during and after surgery. When you have been taken to the recovery room, your family and friends will be notified, and they may call the recovery room directly to check on your status.

A Carle staff member will also show visitors the lockers in the hospital's main lobby for coats and other personal items and tell them where they might get meals or something to drink.

A parent or legal guardian must be with an underage child or adolescent who is having surgery. This person must stay in the building during the surgery and be nearby, in case of an emergency.

Steps before Surgery

In preparation for your surgery, you will change into a hospital gown and be given a special identification bracelet to wear on your wrist. The area of your body which will be operated on will be prepared, if needed. This may include shaving and washing the area with a special soap.

Your medical history, pulse, temperature, blood pressure and breathing will be checked to make sure nothing has changed since your doctor's appointments. An intravenous (IV) tube may be inserted into a vein in your arm to supply fluids and medicines to your body. You may also receive special medication to help you relax.

The Operating Room

Next, you will be moved to the operating room where your surgery will take place. This is a safe, sterile environment where your doctors will perform your procedure. Before anything is done, the medical staff will explain what will happen. During surgery:

  • The room will be cool and you will be given warm blankets if you are uncomfortable.
  • An anesthesiologist or a specially trained registered nurse will give you anesthesia.
  • If needed, tubes may be inserted to drain fluids from your bladder and stomach.
  • Special equipment will be used to monitor your blood pressure, pulse, breathing and other body functions.
  • If you have received medication to help you relax, you will feel sleepy, but may still be able to hear everyone at work.

After Surgery

After your surgery is over, you will be moved to recovery for monitoring and care.