Before Surgery
Preparation begins before you arrive.
Follow the specific fasting and medication instructions provided by the BigHorn Surgery Center preoperative team. Eating or drinking outside the permitted times can increase anesthesia risk and may require the procedure to be delayed or rescheduled.
Eating & Drinking
- Follow the fasting instructions provided by the BHSC preoperative team.
- Do not give food, candy, gum, mints, or other items unless specifically permitted.
- If you are uncertain whether something is allowed, contact BHSC before giving it.
Medications
- Follow the medication instructions provided during the preoperative review.
- Do not stop prescription medications unless instructed by the appropriate medical, dental, or anesthesia provider.
- Bring an up-to-date medication and allergy list.
Changes in Health
- Contact BHSC before arriving if the patient develops fever, significant cough, wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory illness, or another significant change in health.
- The clinical team will determine whether the procedure can safely proceed.
Clothing & Personal Items
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with short sleeves when possible.
- Remove contact lenses, jewelry, and removable body piercings.
- Leave valuables at home.
- Children may bring a familiar blanket, comfort item, or small toy.
Parent, Guardian, or Responsible Adult
- A parent or legal guardian must accompany a minor patient and remain available throughout the visit.
- Adult patients receiving anesthesia must have a responsible adult available as instructed.
- Please arrange care for siblings and other children whenever possible.
Transportation
- A responsible adult must be available to drive the patient home and provide supervision as instructed.
- The procedure may be postponed or cancelled if appropriate transportation and supervision have not been arranged.
- A responsible adult must drive the patient home. Rideshare, taxi, or public transportation do not meet BHSC discharge requirements.
The Day of Surgery
What to expect.
Procedure and recovery times vary. Arrive at the time provided by the surgery center and plan to remain available throughout the visit.
01 · Check-In
Arrival & preparation
The clinical team will review the patient’s health information and prepare for the procedure.
02 · Anesthesia & Procedure
Care in the operating room
The anesthesia provider will review the anesthesia plan and manage care throughout the procedure. For children, an IV may be started after the child is asleep.
03 · Recovery
Monitored recovery
After the procedure, the patient will recover in a monitored recovery area and will be discharged when appropriate recovery criteria are met.
After Surgery
Recovery continues at home.
The effects of anesthesia can continue after the patient appears awake. Close adult supervision is important after discharge.
Activity & Supervision
- Plan for quiet rest and close observation.
- Children should avoid activities that could result in injury until fully recovered.
- Adults should not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, or make important decisions for at least 24 hours after anesthesia, or longer if instructed.
Eating & Drinking
- Begin with fluids as directed after discharge.
- If fluids are tolerated, gradually advance the diet as appropriate for the procedure.
- Follow any procedure-specific dietary restrictions from the treating dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Nausea & Vomiting
- Mild nausea or vomiting can occur after anesthesia.
- If vomiting occurs, pause solid foods and offer small amounts of clear liquids when the patient is ready.
- Persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, or signs of dehydration should prompt a call for medical advice.
Pain, Sore Throat & Fever
- A mild sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, or low-grade fever can occur after anesthesia.
- Follow the medication and pain-control instructions provided at discharge.
- Contact the appropriate provider if symptoms are severe, worsening, or persist longer than expected.
Questions, Concerns & Emergencies
Know who to contact.
