Day of Your Surgery
Day of Your Surgery at UVM Health
It’s normal to feel a little nervous on surgery day. At University of Vermont Health, we work hard to help ease your concerns. We make sure you know what to expect at every step on the day of your surgery.
Plan to arrive at the time given by your surgical team. You can expect a warm greeting at our registration desk. An attendant will direct you to the surgical admissions area.
We take care of your family and friends, too. We let them know where they can wait and can let them know how your surgery went.
What to Take to the Hospital for Surgery
Below is a list of helpful items we recommend you bring or leave at home.
- Be sure to bring a photo ID and your health insurance card. Once you’re checked in, we will put a band on your wrist that identifies you. You will need to wear this wristband for your entire stay at the hospital.
- Leave all jewelry and valuables at home. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a robe and warm socks if you’d like.
- Do not wear contact lenses on surgery day. Wear your glasses and bring a case for them.
- If you use any medical equipment, plan to bring it with you. Don’t forget your:
- Cane
- CPAP machine (if you have sleep apnea)
- Walker
Pre-Op Preparation
In the surgical admissions area, you’ll talk with a pre-op nurse who will ask questions about your medications and health history. They will also check your consent forms as part of admission and have you change into a gown.
A nurse may insert a thin needle with a tube (catheter) into your arm to begin intravenous (IV) fluids. Your care team will check your vital signs, including your:
- Blood pressure
- Breathing
- Heart rate
Meeting With Your Surgeon
Your surgeon will come to the surgical admissions area and talk with you before surgery. They answer any questions you may have and let you know what to expect during and after surgery. You will also meet the anesthesiologist who will manage your pain medication during surgery. The anesthesiologist will explain what to expect during surgery and answer your questions.
During Your Surgery
When it’s time for surgery, attendants will move you to the operating room. The surgical team will check your identity and confirm the procedure you’re having. The anesthesiologist will begin your anesthesia medication at this time.
Patient Surgery Tracking
We give your family a unique patient tracking number which helps them monitor your progress from the waiting room. They can use our patient tracking system to check when:
- Surgery has begun
- You have moved to the recovery area
- The surgeon is available to speak with them
At some locations, we also use a pager system to let your family and friends know when you’re out of the recovery room. Your surgeon will meet with them to let them know how the surgery went and answer their questions.
At University of Vermont Medical Center, we provide an online portal to allow you to track a patient's progress. Learn more about this system below.
Patient Tracking in the Surgical Waiting Area (SWA)
When you and your designated support person arrive in the Surgical Waiting Area, you are provided with information to help track your progress throughout your time in Perioperative Services.
Tracking Number & Mobile Slip
- You will receive a mobile tracking slip.
- This slip includes a unique tracking number that is anonymous and used to follow your surgical journey.
How to Use the Tracking Number
There are two ways for your family and friends to track your progress:
Monitor in the SWA
- Locate the patient’s tracking number on the monitor.
- The monitor updates automatically to reflect the patient’s current status.
Online Tracking
- Visit follow.uvmmedcenter.org/OR on your mobile device.
- Enter the patient’s tracking number to view real-time updates.
What the Tracking System Shows
The system provides updates to your family and friends at key stages of your perioperative journey:
- Arrival in Pre-Op
- Entry into the Operating Room (OR)
- Surgery Start (time of incision)
- Exit from the OR
- Arrival in Recovery (PACU)
When you are ready for visitors, a green box will appear for your family and friends with the message: “Patient is ready for visitors.”
After Your Surgery
When surgery is over, you will be moved to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). If you need closer monitoring, we may move you to the intensive care unit (ICU). A nurse will check your vital signs and monitor you as the anesthesia medication wears off and you regain consciousness. They will answer any questions you have and help you manage any anesthesia side effects, such as chills or nausea.
Once you are ready to see family and friends, they may visit you in the PACU. When your care team feels you are ready, you will be brought to a room in the hospital if you are staying overnight.
Going Home
If you had an outpatient procedure, your surgical care team will make sure you are well enough to go home before discharging you. They will give you information you need about:
- Caring for your incision
- Managing pain
- Taking medications
The surgical team will let you know about symptoms you can expect as you heal. They will also tell you about signs of infection and any indications that you may need medical attention. You will receive a paper summary (discharge instructions) that tells you what you should do if you experience complications and who to call if you have questions.
You must have someone to drive you home after surgery. Depending upon the type of surgery you receive, you may need a caregiver at home with you after surgery.
