Long Island Neurosurgical & Spinal Associates (LINSA)
St. Charles Hospital & Rehab Center
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  • On the day before your surgery, please call the Admitting Office (474-6285) to confirm your time of arrival at the hospital.
  • Do not eat food or drink any fluids after midnight the night before surgery.
  • On the day of surgery, please go to the Ambulatory Surgical Unit on the "G" floor. Those people having endoscopies, x-rays or are being admitted the day before surgery, should go to Admitting.
  • Do not wear contact lenses or eye makeup. Have at least one fingernail on each hand free of polish and acrylic nails. Do not bring valuables, wallets, jewelry, etc.
  • Following surgery the surgeon will contact your family or friend in the ambulatory surgical sitting room unless other arrangements have been made.
  • Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and to be available to assist you at home following discharge. It is unsafe for you to drive a car for 12 hours after receiving a sedative or anesthetic drug.
  • In the event that your physical condition changes (cold, fever, coldsore) or if you are exposed to a communicable disease, please contact your surgeon prior to coming to the hospital.
  • If you have been told you would need crutches after surgery, bring them with you on the day of your procedure.
  • Medications:
    • As part of our continuing effort to provide the best care possible, your orientation nurse will review your current medication and give you appropriate instructions on which medications to take, and how and when, on the morning of your surgery.

Do Not:

Do:

  • Eat, drink, chew gum, or smoke after midnight.

  • Nothing in the morning: - not even coffee, juice or water!- (Except medication with a sip of water if so instructed). Your surgery may be delayed or canceled if you do not follow these instructions.

  • Drink any alcoholic beverages or use recreational drugs for 24 hours before or after your operation.

  • Bring any jewelry, rings, necklaces, earrings, wrist watches or valuables.

  • Wear make-up, false eyelashes, mascara, contact lenses or nail polish.

  • Wear comfortable, casual clothing and bring robe and slippers.

  • Bring eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aides, medication in their original containers.

  • Bring any reports, X-rays, MRI films, CDs or other papers as instructed by your doctor.

After Surgery:

  • If you received general anesthesia you will be taken to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit after surgery.
  • Patients receiving local anesthesia and sedation may return directly to the Ambulatory Surgery Unit for monitoring and observation until discharge.
  • Discharge instructions will be prepared by your physician and will be reviewed with you and your family. A copy will be provided upon your discharge.
  • Do not drive or operate machinery or sign important papers for 24 hrs after general anesthesia or sedation.