image

Patient Information:

surgery guide

YOUR STAY AT OHIO VALLEY GENERAL HOSPITAL

At Ohio Valley General Hospital, we provide a full range of services. We use modern equipment to monitor your health. Our staff is both caring and highly skilled. They will support you through your entire stay. You will be admitted either as an inpatient or an outpatient:

INPATIENTS spend at least one night in the hospital. They may arrive the day of surgery or the day before.

OUTPATIENTS enter the hospital the day of surgery. They leave the same day. 

OVGH_Surgery_Guide1.jpg

Our caring staff will follow your progress before, during and after surgery. 

BEFORE SURGERY (PRE-OP)

You’ll speak with a healthcare provider before your surgery. This may be done on the phone or in person. Be ready to ask questions. Also, have your health insurance card handy. You’ll discuss the risks and benefits of surgery. You’ll also review your medical history. In some cases, routine tests may need to be done.

A healthcare provider will explain what will happen the day of surgery, and how to prepare at home. OVGH_Surgery_Guide2.jpg 

MEDICAL HISTORY

You will be asked about your medical history. Complete responses are needed for a safe surgery. Rest assured, you answeres will not be shared outside your healthcare team. Questions may include: 

  • Do you have a health problem such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure?
  • Are you taking any medications? (This includes over-the-counter products such as aspirin,  ibuprofen, vitamins, herbs and teas.)
  • Are you allergic to any foods, medications, or other substances?
  • Do you use tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs?
  • How is your general health? Do you have a fever, cold, or rash?
  • Have you had other surgeries or illnesses?
  • Could you be pregnant?
  • Have you or any of your family members had problems with anesthesia?

The hospital staff will call the day before your scheduled surgery to tell you when and where you should check in. If you do not receive a call, please contact the help desk at (412) 777-6161.

PREPARING FOR SURGERY

Following these tips can help assure your surgery goes smoothly and safely. 

  • If you smoke or use other tobacco products, quit or cut down a few weeks before surgery. Your healthcare provider may give you specific instructions.
  • Depending on your age and medical history, some tests may need to be done before surgery. Please check with your healthcare provider.
  • Arrange for an adult to drive you home after surgery and stay with you afterward, as needed. This person should be prepared to stay at the facility during your surgery, if possible.
  • Don’t eat or drink anything after the midnight before your surgery, unless directed otherwise. This includes water, mints and gum. You can brush your teeth or rinse your mouth, but don’t swallow any water. If you eat or drink after midnight, your surgery may be cancelled.
  • If you take regular medications, ask your healthcare team if you should take them before surgery. If instructed to, take the medications with small sips of water. 
  • Follow any other instructions you’re given. 

If you can’t keep your surgery appointment, let your doctor and Ohio Valley General Hospital know right away. Also call if you get a cold, fever, sore throat, diarrhea, or other health problem. Your doctor can decide whether or not to postpone your surgery. 

THE DAY OF YOUR SURGERY

It is normal to feel anxious before surgery. Our staff will try to make you stay relaxed. Keep in mind that the surgical team is skilled at performing this procedure. 

PREPARING AT HOME

Follow these steps when getting ready at home:

  • Shower or bathe. You may be given special instructions.
  • Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
  • Do not wear a watch or jewelry - including all piercings.
  • Do not wear makeup or red or dark nail polish.
  • Leave cash, credit cards and valued items at home. 

WHAT TO BRING

Bring the following to the hospital:

  • A parent or legal guardian if you are under the age of 18.
  • A list of your medications (included the name, dose and how often you take each one).
  • Clothing you will need if you stay overnight. This may include a robe and slippers.
  • A case with your name on it to hold items you may need to remove and store. These include dentures, glasses, and contact lenses. 
  • Your completed advance medical directive, if you have one. 

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

  • Ask if you can stay with the patient before surgery.
  • Ask where you should wait during surgery.
  • You will be told how the patient is doing after the surgery. Ask when you can visit. 

CHECKING IN

When you check in, you will fill out some papers. These may include registration, insurance, and surgery consent forms. Be sure to ask any questions you have about these papers. If you are under age 18, your parent or guardian must complete these forms.

PREPARING AT OHIO VALLEY GENERAL HOSPITAL

After checking in, you will be taken to a surgery preparation area. Your family and friends may be able to wait with you there. To prepare for surgery:

  • You’ll be given a band with your name and ID number. Wear this on your wrist.
  • Change into a hospital gown. A staff member will show you where to keep your personal items, or you can leave them with a relative or friend. 
  • Ask if you should remove contact lenses, hearing aids, or dentures. If you’re told to remove them, store these with your other personal items. 
  • You may be given an IV (intravenous) line for fluids and medications. 
  • Your vital signs will be checked. 

ANESTHESIA CARE

Before and during surgery, you will be given medications called anesthetics to keep you free from pain. This is called anesthesia care. It is provided by an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist. Both are trained specialists.

TYPES OF ANESTHESIA

The three main types of anesthesia are listed below:

  • General anesthesia puts you into a deep sleep. You will not be aware of the surgery.
  • Regional anesthesia numbs the surgical site. You may be awake but you will not feel pain. You may be given other medications to help you relax. 
  • Monitored or conscious sedation is a method in which an anesthetic is given through an intravenous (IV) line. This will help you relax. You may choose to remain awake and aware throughout the surgery. Or, you may be drowsy or in a light sleep. 

OVGH_Surgery_Guide3.jpg

You will meet with an anesthesia specialist before surgery.
He or she will discuss which type of anesthesia is best for you. 

THE OPERATING ROOM

The operating room (OR) provides a safe and sterile place for surgery. You will be taken to the OR on a bed or in a wheelchair. Before this, you may be given medication to help you relax.

YOUR SURGICAL TEAM 

Many skilled memmbers make up your OR team. Your surgeon leads the team. Other members may include an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist, nurses, and surgical assistants. 

OVGH_Surgery_Guide4.jpg

You are in good hands in our state-of-the-art surgical center.

YOUR EXPERIENCE

  • An IV line will be started in an arm or hand vein. The IV will provide fluids and medications during surgery.
  • A cuff will be placed on your arm to check your blodd pressure during surgery.
  • Pads placed on your chest will record your heart’s functions.
  • A clip placed on your finger will measure the oxygen level in your blood.
  • If you feel cold, you can ask for a blanket.

AFTER SURGERY (POST-OP CARE)

When your surgery is over, you will be taken to the recovery room. This is also called the PACU (Postanesthesia Care Unit). There, you will be observed closely as the anesthesiawears off. 

IN THE PACU

Our staff will check the dressing over your incision and your blood pressure often. You may have an IV and drainage tubes. 

  • You may wake with a small tube (catheter) in your bladder. This tube drains urine. It will be removed later. 
  • If you needed a tube in your airway during surgery, you may have a mild sore throat.
  • You may feel some pain or nausea. Medication can help. Don’t be afraid to ask.

OVGH_Surgery_Guide5.jpg

You will be monitored closely until you are stable.

AFTER THE PACU

You wil remain in the PACU until you are awake and your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing are normal. Outpatients may go home at this time. Inpatients will be taken to their hospital rooms. If you need constant care, you may be taken to the ICU (Intensive Care Unit).

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

  • A healthcare team member may speak with you when the patient is on the way to the PACU. 
  • Feel free to ask questions about the patient’s recovery. 

RECOVERING AT HOME

When it’s time to go home, you may still feel drowsy or a little sick to your stomach. Be sure to have an adult ready to drive you. Once home, follow any instructions you were given. For at least 24 hours, don’t drive, use machines or power tools, or drink alcohol. Also, don’t make any big decisions or sign important papers. 

HAVE SUPPORT AT HOME

For the first day or two, have someone around who can help you and watch for problems. Make sure this person knows what you can and can’t eat, which medications you should take, and any other instructions you were given. 

INCISION AND DRESSING CARE

When you go home, you will be show how to care for your incision and any dressing. If you have a drainage tube, you will be instructed on its use. Your incision may be slightly red or swollen. It may also have some discharge. Here are some home care tips:

  • Ask when the stitches or tape can be removed.
  • Keep the incision clean and dry. You will be told when it is safe to bathe or shower. 
  • Wash your hands before and after touching the incision.
  • If you had arm or leg surgery, raise the limb above your heart while you are sitting, resting or sleeping. This helps reduce pain and swelling. It also improves blood flow. 

MANAGING PAIN

You may have some pain, since even minor surgery causes swelling and breakdown of tissue. Take pain medication at regular times as directed. Don’t wait until the pain gets bad to take it. 

TIPS FOR USING PAIN MEDICATION

Use your medication as directed. If your pain is not relieved or if it gets worse, call your healthcare provider. To get the best relief possible, remember these points. 

  • Most pain relievers taken by mouth need at least 20 to 30 minutes to take effect.
  • Taking medication on a schedule can help you remember to take it. Try to time your medication so that you take it before beginning an activity, such as dressing, walking or sitting at the table for dinner. 
  • Pain medications can upset your stomach. Taking them with a little food may help. 
  • Constipation is a common side effect of pain medications. Drink lots of fluids. Eating fruits and vegetables may also help. Avoid laxatives unless your surgeon has prescribed them. 
  • Mixing alcohol and pain medication can cause dizziness and slow your respiratory system. It can even be fatal. Don’t drink alcohol while taking pain medication. 
  • Pain medication can slow your reflexes. Avoid driving or operating machinery while taking pain medication. 
  • Pain medication can make you dizzy or weak. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider for assistance when ambulatory. 

MANAGING NAUSEA

The following tips will help you manage nausea and get good nutrition as you recover. If you were on a special diet (such as low-salt) before surgery, ask your doctor if you should follow it during recovery. 

START EATING SLOWLY

Don’t push yourself to eat. Your body will tell you what to eat and when. These tips may help:

  • Start off with liquid and soup. They are easier to digest. 
  • Progress to semisolids (mashed potatoes, applesauce, and gelatin) as you feel ready. 
  • Slowly move to solid foods. Don’t eat fatty, rich, or spicy foods at first.
  • Don’t force yourself to have three larger meals a day. Instead, eat smaller amounts more often. 
  • Take pain medication with a small amount of solid food, such as crackers or toast. 

RETURNING TO REGULAR ACTIVITY

Being active helps you heal. Ask your doctor what you can and can’t do after surgery. You may have been shown how to do deep breathing and coughing exercises. These help keep the lungs clear and improve blood flow. Do them as often as instructed. 

PROBLEMS TO WATCH OUT FOR

A member of our staff may call the day after your surgery to check how you’re doing. Be sure to mention andy problems you have. Call your surgeon if you have any of the following:

  • Chest pain.
  • Vomiting lasting longer that 4 hours.
  • A large amount of bleeding or swelling.
  • Smelly discharge from the incision.
  • A red, hard, hot or painful area around the incision or on your legs.
  • Shortness of breath. 
  • No bowel movement in 3 days.
  • A fever of over 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C).
  • Unable to discharge bladder.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

  • EMERGENCY911
  • ANESTHESIOLOGY(412) 777-6491
  • BILLING DEPARTMENT(412) 777-6130
  • EMERGENCY CENTER(412) 777-6241
  • INFORMATION DESK(412) 777-6161
  • PRE-ADMISSION TESTING(412) 777-6180
  • SOCIAL SERVICES(412) 777-6264
  • SURGERY WAITING ROOM(412) 777-1402
  • RADIOLOGY..(412) 777-6257
  • OUTPATIENT SURGERY(412) 777-6276

 

VISITING HOURS

  • PATIENT ROOMS:2 PM TO 8:30 PM
  • INTENSIVE CARE UNIT:11 AM TO 11:30 AM & 8 PM TO 8:30 PM
  • INTERMEDIATE CARE UNIT:2 PM TO 8:30 PM
  • OBSTETRICS SUITE:2 PM TO 4 PM & 7 PM TO 8:30 PM

CALLS FROM FAMILY MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE TAKE FROM:
8 AM TO 8:30 AM & 2 PM TO 2:30 PM

 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A SURGERY CHECKLIST YOU CAN PRINT OUT AT HOME

up-arrow Back to Top