Preparing for Your Surgery

The following information is general information that is important to all patients having surgery at Franklin and describes the role you play in your recovery. This information may vary depending upon the type of procedure you are having so it is important that you follow your doctor’s specific instructions.

Our goals are to relieve some of your natural concerns about surgery and meet or exceed your expectations by providing you with exceptional care.

Important phone numbers:

• Patient Registration: 414-325-3852
• Pre-Admission Testing Center: 414-325-4787
• Surgery: 414-325-4785

Before surgery
Attend all scheduled pre-surgical appointments for specific instructions. You may receive a call from a nurse or anesthesiologist prior to surgery to discuss your care. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight unless you are given other instructions. You must have a responsible adult available to drive you home.

Day of surgery 

• Leave all valuables at home, including jewelry, cell phone and laptop 
• Do not bring checkbooks, credit cards or more than $10 in cash. 
• Do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages a minimum of 24 hours prior to surgery 
• Do not wear make-up, perfume, lotions or powder 
• Shower the night before or day of surgery using an antimicrobial soap 
• Dress comfortably in loose clothing 
• Bring advance directives with you if you have them 
• Bring inhalers, CPAP machine and crutches if applicable 
• Arrive a few minutes early and report to the front desk in the main reception area on the first floor. 
• Use our free professional valet service or have your driver bring you to the main entrance of the hospital.

Once you arrive at the hospital 

• Once you’ve checked in, you will be escorted to a private room where you will change into a gown. 
• Your vital signs will be checked and an IV may be inserted into a vein in your arm. 
• You will be moved to the operating room where EKG patches may be placed on your chest and a blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm. 
• If you are receiving general anesthesia, you will be given medication through the IV and drift off to sleep. 
• Your family can wait in your room and will be notified when your surgery is completed.

After surgery 

• Your vital signs and incision will be checked in the recovery room. 
• Your IV will stay in until you are able to drink. 
• The amount of time spent in recovery will vary depending on the procedure. 
• Your doctor will order pain medication to keep you comfortable. Make sure you tell your nurse if you are experiencing undue pain, nausea or other concerns. 
• Your nurse may have you doing simple exercises following surgery to help prevent complications. This may include deep breathing, coughing, leg exercises or ankle pumps.

Discharge
You will be given written instructions for care at home, along with prescriptions your doctor may have ordered. You can use the retail pharmacy located on the first floor. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9am to 5:30 pm.

Following surgery
Fatigue is a common effect following surgery. Some people experience nausea from general anesthesia. Plan to get lots of rest, take your pain medication with food and make your follow-up appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.