Stage 1
Prior to surgery you will meet with Dr. Swafford to review
the surgery.
Labratory test will be requested. These test will be sent to the
surgical facility by the laboratory. Prior to the surgery you will
either be contacted by phone by the surgical facility (out patient) or
visit the outpatient office at the hospital. Dr. Swafford generally does
surgery at Health South Southwest Surgical center or Memorial Hospital.
The surgical facilty will give you the time to arrive for your surgery. They will also give you instructions about when to stop eating and drinking. This is very IMPORTANT. If you do not follow these directions your surgery will be resecheduled.
When you arrive you will check in with the receptionist. They will direct you and assist familiy and friends.
Stage 2
The next step is preop. Here you will met by the preop nurse. This is a very
important area. While there, the planned operation will be
confirmed with you. You will confirm with the nurse what the operation
will be, in general terms. Also, the site of the operatiion will be
confirmed and marked on your body. IV's are genrally started here and
any preoperative medication will be administered. Generally, a family
member or friend can be with you in this area. The anestheiologist will
discuss your anestheitic. Dr. Swafford will also visit with you.
Stage 3
The operating room is a very special place. Several people, other than the surgeon, are involved. The anesthesologist is present. Physcians only are utilized. They do not have more than one patient at a time. A surical nurse is involved. The nurse helps coordinate the entire process in the operating room. A surgical scrub technication is utilized to provide the equipment for the surgeon and to assist the surgeon. They receive specialized training for this position. A team is needed for the operating room to fuction.
all pictures posted by permission