Before Your Surgery: If ordered by your physician, a sedative may be given to you during the night before your surgery. If your surgery is in the morning, you are not permitted to eat or drink after midnight.

On the Day of Surgery: If ordered by your physician, you may receive medications about one hour before your surgery. You will be taken to the preoperative surgical area approximately 45 minutes before your planned surgery time.

Recovery Following Your Surgery: After your surgery, you will be taken to the Recovery Room where specially trained nurses will monitor your blood pressure, pulse and breathing every 5 minutes until you are ready to return to your room, or the Intensive Care Unit (if your surgeon feels you would benefit from closer monitoring). You can expect to continue having frequent checks on your pulse, breathing and blood pressure, as well as observation of your surgical site dressings and maintenance of IV solutions. You will be allowed liquids by mouth only if this is ordered by your surgeon. Be sure to tell your nurse if you are uncomfortable in any way.

If you have had a minor procedure and are scheduled for ambulatory surgery (outpatient surgery), you will remain in the Recovery Room. Frequent checks on your pulse, blood pressure and breathing will be performed until your physician and nurse feel you are ready to go home. Please inform your nursing personnel if you become nauseated or are having discomfort. You may be discharged from the Outpatient Surgery Department into the care of a responsible adult. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home.

Visitors During Your Surgery: Even the most minor of surgical procedures may produce feelings of anxiety. St. John's Hospital - Berryville encourages you to have someone with whom you are close visit you before and after your surgery. Having a friend or family member present can relax you and give you a sense of comfort and security. While you are in the Surgical Suite, your family and friends may wait in the Surgery Waiting Room. Your visitors will be contacted in the Surgery Waiting Room and informed about your condition and when you will be transferred back to your room after your recovery period has concluded.