Surgery Instructions

Posted on by San Diego ENT

Outpatient surgery is performed at four locations:

Scripps Ambulatory Surgery Center, Ximed Building
9850 Genesee Avenue
Suite 100
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 626-4228

Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
9888 Genesee Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 626-4123

United Surgery Center
477 El Camino Real
Suite A210
Encinitas, CA 92024

University Ambulatory Surgery Center
8929 University Center Lane
San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 554-0220

Instructions Before Your Surgery

  • Check with your PCP and our staff about the need to schedule a physical examination and/or lab tests (CBC, EKG, for example) before your surgery.
  • Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before your surgery (including coffee, water, candy, and chewing gum, unless otherwise indicated by your surgeon/PCP. If you have had something to eat or drink, please tell your surgeon.
  • You should drink plenty of fluids up until midnight to make sure that you are hydrated.
  • You are strongly encouraged not to smoke for 1 week or drink alcohol within 24-48 hours before your surgery.
  • If you are taking blood-thinning medications such as Aspirin, Advil, Motrin and etc., please stop taking it at least 2 weeks prior your surgery. (If you are taking Coumadin or Plavix, please discuss safely stopping these medications prior to the surgery) YOU MAY TAKE TYLENOL ONLY.
  • Arrange for someone to stay with you at home on the night of your surgery.
  • If you have children in your care, arrange baby-sitting for at least 24 hours after your return home.
  • Arrange for a designated driver to take you home on the day of surgery, if you are being released. Note: You may not go home alone in a taxi or on public transportation.
  • Call your doctor immediately if there are any changes in your health condition, such as fever, bleeding, excessive pain or difficulty breathing. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • On the day of your surgery, go directly to the specific location where your surgery is scheduled 

PLEASE REMEMBER:

Children less than 6 months of age:

  • NO infant formula for up to 6 hours before surgery.
  • NO breast milk for up to 4 hours before surgery.
  • Only clear liquids up to 3 hours before surgery.
  • Nothing by mouth for the 3 hour period immediately before surgery.

Children 6 months to 2 years of age:

  • NO solid food and/or nonclear/full liquids up to eight (8) hours before surgery.
  • NO infant formula for up to eight (8) hours before surgery.
  • NO breast milk for up to six (6) hours before surgery.
  • Only clear liquids up to three (3) hours before surgery.
  • Nothing by mouth for the three (3) hour period before surgery.

Children older than 2 years of age through adult:

  • NO solid food and/or nonclear/full liquids up to eight (8) hours before surgery.
  • Only clear liquids up to three (3) hours before surgery.
  • Nothing by mouth for the three (3) hour period immediately before surgery.

EXAMPLES:

Solid foods and Nonclear/ Full Liquids = foods, milk, formula, breast milk, juice, nectar, vegetable juice, jello, gum, candy, mints

Clear liquids = clear apple juice, sugar water, water, 7-Up, pedialyte, balanced salt solution (Gatorade type solution).

UNDIGESTED FOOD/ DRINK COULD CAUSE PROBLEMS AND MAY REQUIRE RESCHEDULING OF YOUR SURGERY