What are surgery days like?
Dr. Rodriguez and Jessica operate most Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We know surgery days can feel long and stressful, and we do everything we can to make the day go smoothly. Cases are generally scheduled shortest to longest.
Christine will call you the day before surgery to talk through your arrival time. Dr. Rodriguez likes patients to arrive 3 hours before their scheduled time — arriving early genuinely helps things move along, especially since some days run ahead of schedule.
Aside from a 7:15 am first case, your assigned start time is an estimate. We do our best to stay on schedule, but our top priority is good care, not the clock — if a case runs long, the pre-op staff will keep you updated. Signing up for text updates is a great way to keep your family informed throughout the day. You'll need a ride home after surgery.
Can I eat or drink before surgery?
Generally, no food or drink after midnight, so your stomach is empty before anesthesia starts. Your pre-assessment visit will cover the specifics for your situation, along with which of your regular medications to take the morning of surgery.
What about blood thinners?
If you take blood thinners for a clotting disorder, a mechanical heart valve, atrial fibrillation, a prior stroke, or similar conditions, this needs an individualized plan. Talk with Dr. Rodriguez and whichever physician manages your blood thinner to balance the risk of bleeding during surgery against the risk of being off the medication.
Why do I need to arrive so early?
A lot happens in the pre-op area before you ever reach the operating room:
- An updated history and exam is documented.
- You'll change into a hospital gown and clean your skin with the antiseptic wipes provided.
- An IV is started, and your pharmacy information is confirmed.
- Additional bloodwork or a urine sample may be needed, depending on your procedure.
- You'll sign your surgical consent — don't sign until any questions about the procedure have been answered.
- You'll meet the anesthesia team, who will review your history and discuss the anesthesia plan, including regional nerve blocks (often used for hernia repairs) that can reduce pain and the need for narcotics afterward.
- You'll meet the circulating nurse, and there's a final safety "time out" in the pre-op room with the whole team before you go back.
- If your procedure has a left or right side, Dr. Rodriguez will mark his initials at the site — this is done for every patient, every time, as a safety check.
- You'll see Dr. Rodriguez before heading to the operating room.
What happens after surgery is over?
Dr. Rodriguez will come speak with your family in the surgical waiting area as soon as the procedure is finished (or call them, if they aren't able to be there). You'll then go to a recovery room, where your nurse will text your family when it's time for them to come back. You'll need to tolerate eating and drinking and have your pain controlled with oral medication before you're released home.
How do my post-op prescriptions get filled?
Depending on your insurance, the hospital's retail pharmacy may be able to fill your prescriptions before you leave, which saves you a stop on the way home. If that's not an option, just make sure your preferred pharmacy is correct in your chart so your prescriptions go to the right place. If your pharmacy happens to be closed by the time you're discharged, your recovery nurse will help find a 24-hour option.