Preparing for Surgery

The following information applies to ALL patients who are having surgical or endoscopy procedures performed at the Salem Surgery Center (SSC). See below text links for further specific instructions.

• Surgical and Procedural times are the best estimate we can give and may not be exact due to the unpredictable nature of findings. We urge you to arrive at the time given to you by our pre-op nurse. Changes in the Doctor's schedule may permit you to come in earlier than planned. Please check your personal voice mail the evening before you procedure for any arrival time changes.
• The length of your stay will depend on how long your operation/ procedure takes and how long it takes you to recover from the anesthesia. (Note: Endoscopy patient’s usual length of time at center is approximately 2 hours.)
• You will enter the recovery room following your procedure/operation. There, the nursing staff and anesthesia personnel will care for you prior to your discharge.
• After you are stable and prior to discharge, a nurse will give you and your responsible adult instructions regarding precautions, and follow up care.
• Remember that a responsible adult will be needed to drive you home.
• Within 24 hours after surgery, please do not drive or operate a car or dangerous machinery, sign important papers or care for a dependent person.
• You may resume your normal diet if you are not having problems with nausea and vomiting. Avoid greasy, fried or spicy foods on the day of surgery.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages until 24 hours after anesthesia or while taking pain medication.
• If a problem arises after the surgery center closes, please call your physician's office.
• Surgical patients will receive a postoperative phone call from one of our nurses to check on your progress.
• Help us evaluate our service. Our staff is dedicated to providing you with high quality personalized care. Please return the patient survey form given to you when you leave our center. If there are ways to improve our service, please let us know. Thank you.

Click here for Colonoscopy/EGD instruction.

Click here for Surgery instruction.