We can help you minimize your risks of developing complications as a result of surgery or anesthesia

At your pre-surgey visit to Medical Medical Center, your surgeon will review your medical records and maybe perform some tests to make sure you are in the best physical condition possible to undergo surgery. Your anesthesiologist will use this information to plan for the type of anesthesia you will receive. Sometimes, incomplete information about ongoing or prior medical problems can prevent surgery from taking place as scheduled. 

What should I bring to my pre-surgery visit?

• Updated list of your medications including the medication name and the dose in milligrams, the number of pills you take at a time, and how often per day you take them. (If you prefer, you may bring in the original medication containers.)
   
• Name and contact information for your primary physicians and any other specialists you see regularly.
   
• If you have had any evaluation outside of Hurley Medical Center for a possible stroke, heart disease or lung disease, please bring the following documents to avoid unnecessary delays in your surgery:
  - Carotid ultrasound reports (within the last 5 years)
  - Cardiac catheterization reports (within the last 10 years)
  - Stress test results (within the last 3 years)
  - Echocardiogram reports (within the last 5 years)
  - Electrocardiograms (a photocopy of the ECG tracing)-(within the last 5 years)
  - Pulmonary function test results (within the last 2 years)
  - Recent laboratory tests (within the last 3 months)
  - Pacemaker implantation and evaluation records (within the last year)
  - Discharge summaries from recent hospitalizations (within the last year)

• If there are any other medical records that you feel would be important for documenting major medical evaluations you have had, please bring them. Since we will review in detail your past medical and surgical history, you may want to write this information down before your appointment.
   
• If you would like your records faxed to us, please call Hurley Medical Center at (810) 262-9132 to confirm that we got them.

What can I expect during my pre-surgery visit?

During your appointment at Hurley Medical Center, a health care provider will: 

• Take your medical history
• Perform a physical examination
• Review tests ordered by your doctor
• Discuss what medications you should or should not take before and immediately after your surgery 
• Order any additional tests that may be necessary to make sure it is safe for you to have surgery
• Discuss your surgery with your surgeon or anesthesiologist, as necessary

If I need additional testing, can this be done the same day as my pre-surgery visit to Hurley Medical Center?

• All blood testing can be done the same day.
• In some cases, patients need additional stress testing. If your activity level is extremely limited and you have a history of one of the following and have not had a stress test in the last 2-3 years, it is likely that you might need a stress test:              
  - history of diabetes
  - history of heart attack, stent or bypass surgery
  - history of stroke
  - history of kidney disease

Will Hurley Medical Center have enough information to know if I am ready for surgery?

In most cases, if your medical records are complete and updated, your pre-surgery visit will provide your Hurley Medical Center health care provider with enough information to know if you are ready for surgery.

However, sometimes an underlying problem will be found that needs to be addressed before surgery. When this occurs, arrangements will be made for more testing, or medications will be prescribed as necessary.

Can my surgery be delayed for any reason?

In most cases, surgery will not be delayed. However, even a simple problem like a common cold can make surgery less safe. Or, tests may show that an existing medical condition (such as high blood pressure or diabetes) is not being controlled well.

If you have a poorly controlled condition, your Hurley Medical Center health care provider may start treatment to improve your health and then check you again in time for surgery. Or, you may be asked to return to your regular doctor for more treatment. Hurley Medical Center will inform you and your surgeon about any conditions that require treatment before surgery. 

What if my medical condition is very complicated or I am not ready for surgery?

Your Hurley Medical Center health care provider will recommend the treatment you should have before and after your surgery. This information becomes part of your medical record and will be referred to throughout your care at Hurley Medical Center.

If your Hurley Medical Center health care provider finds that you are not medically ready for surgery or that your medical condition is very complicated, we will discuss your evaluation with your surgeon. Your surgeon can then decide whether surgery is right for you at this time.  

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Hurley Medical Center at (810) 262-9132.