(843) 556-2545
1844 Wallace School Road, Charleston, SC, 29407

Before my Surgery

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    We at Lowcountry Ambulatory Center are looking forward to seeing you for your procedure. Please read the instructions below carefully.


    You should not eat or drink anything for 8 hours prior to their procedure. This includes water, chewing gum, mints, hard candy, and all tobacco products. Medications should be taken as scheduled with a sip of water. Please contact your doctor if you have questions.


    Arrive to the Ambulatory Center at your scheduled appointment time wearing casual clothing that can be easily folded and stored. We will provide you with a surgical gown to wear.


    We recommend that you leave all valuables such as watches and jewelry at home. Jewelry must be removed during most procedures.


    If you wear contact lenses, we prefer that you wear your glasses on the day of your procedure.


    Pre-Operative Instructions


    • No food or drink after midnight, including gum, mints, and coffee
    • Take medications including beta-blockers, the morning of surgery with a small amount of water (exclude fluid pills and vitamins)
    • Do not take oral diabetic medication
    • Insulin dependent diabetics should consult your Primary Care Physician/Endocrinologist for insulin instructions
    • Call your Primary Care Physician regarding when to stop Plavix, Coumadin, or any such blood thinner
    • Discontinue aspirin, Vitamin E, and any other herbal supplements 5 days before your surgery
    • Use long acting inhalers at home and bring rescue inhalers to the Center
    • No smoking or alcoholic beverages 24 hours before surgery





Before my Surgery

We at Lowcountry Ambulatory Center are looking forward to seeing you for your procedure. Please read the instructions below carefully.


You should not eat or drink anything for 8 hours prior to their procedure. This includes water, chewing gum, mints, hard candy and all tobacco products. Please contact your doctor if you have questions. Medications should be taken as scheduled with a sip of water.


Arrive to the Ambulatory Center at your scheduled appointment time wearing casual clothing that can be easily folded and stored. We will provide you with a surgical gown to wear.


We recommend that you leave all valuables such as watches and jewelry at home. Jewelry must be removed during most procedures.


If you wear contact lenses, we prefer that you wear your glasses on the day of your procedure.


Pre-Operative Instructions


  • No food or drink after midnight, including gum, mints, and coffee
  • Take medications including beta-blockers, the morning of surgery with a small amount of water (exclude fluid pills and vitamins)
  • Do not take oral diabetic medication
  • Insulin dependent diabetics should consult your Primary Care Physician/Endocrinologist for insulin instructions
  • Call you primary Care Physician regarding when to stop Plavix, Coumadin, or any such blood thinner
  • Discontinue asprin, Vitamin E, and any other herbal supplements 5 days before your surgery
  • Use long acting inhalers at home and bring rescue inhalers to the Center
  • No smoking or alcoholic beverages 24 hours before surgery



Day of Surgery

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When you arrive we will greet you, check you in, and lead you to our preoperative area.


We will confirm your type of surgery and ask you to sign a surgical consent form.


A member of our nursing staff will likely start an IV and draw any labs as necessary.


Your doctor will see you in this area and answer any questions that you may have.


A family member or friend must accompany you to the Ambulatory Center and remain in our waiting area during your procedure. They will be responsible for your transportation home after surgery. Transportation by cab is not allowed unless you are accompanied by a responsible adult. It is not advisable for transportation home by bus. In most cases, it is not advisable for you to drive until the day following your surgical procedure unless advised otherwise by your physician.


Day of Surgery Instructions


  • Before coming to LAC, please call us if you have a change in your health, such as a cold or fever
  • Shower/bathe the morning of your procedure; do not apply make-up, oil, lotions, or nail polish
  • No contacts the day of surgery
  • If you have dentures, we will usually require you to remove them before surgery
  • Wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes
  • Arrive to LAC at least 1 hour prior to your scheduled procedure time
  • Bring all insurance cards and a photo ID with you
  • Bring your co-pay, deductible, and/or co-insurance if there is a remaining balance due
  • Bring a copy of your Advance Directive ( living will or power of attorney ) if you have one
  • Be prepared to sign consent forms
  • Do not bring any jewelry or valuables, including wedding bands and body jewelry
  • One family member or friend can be with you during the pre-op period, then should wait in the lobby
  • Your surgeon will speak with your family member or friend immediately following the surgery
  • Visitors under 16 years old are not allowed in the patient care areas and should not be left unattended in the lobby






After Surgery

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Patients who receive general, monitored, or regional anesthesia should have a caretaker for 24 hours after the procedure.


Most patients spend approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour in the recovery room following their procedure. In some cases, it may be longer depending on how your body responds to anesthesia. The nurses and anesthesiologist will ensure that you are stable and comfortable before you are discharged.


Our staff will review your written discharge, follow up instructions, and necessary prescriptions prior to your discharge.


After Surgery Instructions


  • You are advised to go directly home from the Center
  • Be sure to follow your surgeon's orders about diet, rest, medications, and activity
  • If you have any questions or problems after surgery, please contact your surgeon's office
  • A nurse will call you the day after your procedure to see how you are doing and to answer any other questions you may have






Anesthesia

Sedation, Regional, and General Anesthesia are provided by our team of Board Certified Anesthesiologists. The Anesthesia staff will meet with you prior to your procedure to review your medical history and provide you any additional instructions.


It is common to feel nauseated or lightheaded for 12 – 24 hours following your procedure. However, if after this time period you are still nauseated or are experiencing any other unusual reactions, contact your doctors office for additional instructions.


To avoid nausea and/or vomiting, avoid eating greasy, spicy or fried foods immediately after your surgery. Be sure to follow instructions on taking antibiotics or pain medications with food.


To learn more about our anesthesia team, click here .


FAQ

FAQ coming soon