200 Bowman Drive
Suite D-160
Voorhees, NJ  08043
Hours:  Monday – Friday  
6A-5P
856-247-7800

Faq

Q: Why can't I eat or drink before my surgery?

A : Having food or liquids in your stomach increases the chances of vomiting during or after surgery which can then be inhaled into your lungs causing pneumonia. It is very important that you follow the dietary instructions which will be discussed during your pre-admission phone call.


Q : Why do I need to have someone to take me home and stay with me after surgery?

A : After anesthesia normal responses and reaction times may be altered. For these reasons, your anesthesiologist prohibits you from driving and requests a friend or relative to stay with you for 24 hours. They will then be able to assist you with your care and seek help if problems should arise after you get home.


Q : What should I wear the day of surgery?

A : We ask that you wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing, such as sweat pants. We do ask that you remove all jewelry and body piercings prior to coming to the center and leave them at home. We ask that these be removed for your safety.


Q : What should I bring the day of surgery?

A : We ask that you bring your insurance card and information, your I.D. card, and any legal guardian papers if appropriate. If your child is having surgery, we also encourage you to bring their favorite blanket, toy, pacifier, sippy cup, or bottle, if appropriate.


Q: Can I see my child or relative before surgery? How long after surgery before I can see them?

A: Parents remain with their children until they are taken to the operating room. We make every effort to reunite parents with their children as soon as possible. Adult patients are separated from their companiion during the admission process. With the adult patient's permission and if time permits, the companion may join them prior to going to the operating room. After the proedure, companions of adult patients may expect to be reunited with the patient within one hour of the surgeon speaking to them.


Q: What can I expect after I wake up from surgery and when will I be able to go home?

A: When you are taken to your post-operative room from recovery, you will usually be allowed to eat and drink something right away. When you are tolerating this without problems, we will start you on your oral pain medication if ordered. The time that you will remain in this area will vary with each individual and type of surgery.


Q: What if I feel ill before my procedure?

A: Notify your surgeon if you develop any of the following:

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Cough or congestion
  • Chicken Pox exposure/illness within two weeks of surgery
  • Any other problems that may interfere with your scheduled surgery

Q: How do I prepare my child for surgery?

A: Our center offers a tour to prepare children for surgery. Reservations are required and can be made when the coordinator contacts you with an offer to attend. We encourage you to bring your child on this tour so they can be more familiar with the events that will take place on the day of surgery.


Q: Why am I asked the same questions by different people over and over?

A: You will be asked information such as your name, birthdate, allergies, procedure, etc. many times by many different people during your visit - this is a safety measure for your protection.


Q: How long will I have to wait?

A: We can only estimate each individual’s surgical time. You may experience delays at any point in this process. Patients are taken back in the order of their scheduled surgery times and not on a first come first served basis. If you or your family has any questions or concerns about wait times or delays, please do not hesitate to speak to the front desk receptionist or any other staff member.


Q: Why am I asked not to videotape or take pictures?

A: We request that videotaping and pictures not be taken on the premises in order to protect the privacy of others.


Q: What about my medications?

A: You can take medication for your heart, blood pressure, asthma, Parkinson’s, seizures, gastrointestinal medications (PPIs, H2 blockers) with a sip of water the morning of surgery unless otherwise directed by the surgeon or anesthesiologist.

If you take MAO inhibitors, please let the anesthesiologist know, as they will decide if you should take it with a sip of water the morning before surgery on an individual case by case basis.

If you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) products such as aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin, Excedrin), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxene (Aleve) you must call your surgeon and/or physician for further instructions.

You must discuss holding or discontinuing any medication that prolongs bleeding (anticoagulants) with your surgeon and the anesthesiologist. Patients taking Plavix and aspirin for coronary stents must get permission from their cardiologist to stop these medications.

If you are taking any diet pills, herbal supplements, vitamin E, fish oil, or Accutane you must stop these medications for two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled procedure.

For diabetic patients:

Oral hypoglycemic medications should not be taken the morning of surgery.

Insulin dependent patients should contact the physician that is managing their diabetes for instructions on what dosage of insulin needs to be taken the day before surgery and the morning of surgery.