A few days before your scheduled surgery you will be asked to come to Northwest Spine Center to have a pre-operative appointment. During this appointment your physician and our staff will discuss your procedure with you again. You will receive prescriptions for medications to be taken after surgery as well as a brace to wear after surgery. These will need to be brought with you the day of surgery.

• Please ask all questions that you need to feel comfortable with your procedure and know what to expect
• Tell the doctor/staff what medications you are currently taking
• Please disclose the relevant medical and health information to us, as well as any unexpected changes in your condition or health status, to help us provide the appropriate care

A pre-operative nurse will contact you prior to your surgery to provide you with additional information, answer questions you may have, obtain your medical and surgical information, confirm your arrival time and go over further instructions. If you have not received a call from them by noon the prior business day to your surgery, please call us at 509-834-7050.

If you feel ill, suspect you may be pregnant, or experience any physical change in your condition before your surgery, contact your surgeon’s office immediately. Do not take any aspirin or NSAIDs (e.g. Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve) for at least 7-10 days prior to surgery unless you are told by your physician or surgeon to do so. If you have questions regarding a specific medication, please contact your surgeon’s office.

When receiving general anesthesia, you will not be permitted to drive yourself home after surgery. You will need an escort who should be at least eighteen years of age and able to remain with you for the first 24 hours. Your escort or support person should be accessible at all time during your procedure.

Every patient having surgery at Northwest Surgery Center (NWSC) has certain rights and responsibilities. These rights are guaranteed and respected by the staff at NWSC, but must also be adhered to by families and visitors in accordance with the Washington State Department of Health. You will receive a copy of these rights and responsibilities in your Northwest Surgery Center patient brochure. Click here for the Patient Rights and Responsibilities.

Please do not consume food or drink after midnight the night prior to your surgery. However, if your surgeon or pre-operative nurse has instructed you to take medication the morning of surgery you may do so with a sip of water.

Patients can rest assured that the welcoming and experienced healthcare professionals at NWSC will treat them with the utmost care and respect throughout their procedure, as outcomes and patient satisfaction are the true measures of our achievement.

Things to bring with you the day of surgery:

• Please arrange to have someone drive you home from surgery
• Loose comfortable clothing to put back on after surgery
• Inhalers
• Glasses or contact lenses with case for storage
• Medications prescribed to you
• Case for removable dental work (dentures, partials, etc.)
• Brace or collar

Upon completion of your surgery, you will recover in a private, comfortable area. When you are awake and medically stable your escort can join you. The time you need to stay after your operation varies depending on the type of surgery, anesthetic, and medical condition. As your recovery progresses you will be able to sit up, have ice chips, liquids, and something light to eat. You will be given post-surgery discharge instructions to follow when you arrive home.

Your surgeon will provide specific instructions for your care while recovering at home. If you have any concerns, please call your surgeon’s office at 509-834-7050. Written instructions will be given to you prior to discharge. Please follow the medications as prescribed. You will be shown how to care for your incision and dressing. Keep the area clean and dry at all time. A NWSC staff member will contact you within 24 hours of your surgery to monitor your progress.

Call your surgeon or surgeon’s office immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after surgery:

• Temperature over 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit
• Chills and/or night sweats
• Drainage from incision site
• Vomiting/nausea
• Increase pain not controlled with pain medication
• Increased redness around incision
• In case you have a drain inserted, if the drain or tube come out