Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the advantages of an ambulatory surgery center?
A: As a state-of-the-art medical center with the mission to provide patients with world-class, specialized orthopaedic and spine care, the Center for Advanced Ambulatory Surgery offers certain advantages over traditional hospitals, including:
- No overnight stay—patients are able to go home the same day as their surgery
- Reduced risk of infection due to avoiding the hospital environment
- A state-of-the-art experience from start to finish
- Procedures that cost significantly less than those performed in the hospital setting
Q: How is an ambulatory surgery center different from a regular hospital?
A: Ambulatory surgery centers only offer procedures that can be done in an outpatient setting, meaning all their patients go home the day of surgery. Hospitals, on the other hand, typically handle everything from emergencies to maternity.
Q: How early should I arrive before my procedure start time?
A: We typically ask patients to arrive one hour before their scheduled procedure time. However, your exact arrival time will be confirmed with you by our staff during your preoperative phone call before your surgery.
Q: Why can’t I eat or drink after midnight on the night before my surgery?
A: For your procedure, you must have an empty stomach. Liquids or food in your stomach can cause serious, even fatal, respiratory complications when you receive anesthesia. If you have mistakenly consumed any food or liquids after midnight, be sure to alert your care team before surgery. For your safety, your surgery may be canceled, delayed, or rescheduled.
Q: What medications or vitamins should I take the morning of my surgery?
A: During your preoperative visit, a member of our staff will discuss the specifics of your medications with you as well as provide you with instructions about what to take and what not to take before surgery.
Q: Do I need someone to drive me home?
A: Yes, you will need someone to drive you home following your procedure. Since the medication you will receive at our facility will impair your driving ability for 24 hours, we insist that you have a responsible person bring you to the center, listen to your post-op instructions, and take you home. Your procedure will be canceled if you do not have someone with you.