24-Hour Main Surgery

What to Expect

Learn what to expect at the Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital 24-hour Main Surgery Department during each stage of your stay, including pre-registration, pre-operative assessment, check-in process, surgery and the recovery room.

Pre-Registration

A member of the Southeast Business Department staff will call you in advance of your scheduled surgery date to obtain your demographics and insurance information. After our business office has verified your insurance, you will receive a second phone call to discuss your insurance benefits. We will advise you of the dollar amount that you will need to pay at the time of your pre-op assessment. If your procedure requires general anesthesia, please make arrangements for transportation following your procedure as you will not be permitted to drive.

Pre-Registration for Inpatient and Outpatient Procedures

Pre-Operative Assessment

You will be scheduled for your pre-op testing PRIOR TO the day of your scheduled surgery. Our pre-op testing area for both our Main Surgery and Day Surgery Departments is located in the Outpatient Services building on the 2nd floor. You should complete your assessment prior to the day of your surgery or you may experience delays and in some instances, cancellation of your surgery. During this visit, you will handle your financial obligations.

Check-In Process

You will be instructed on where to check-in prior to your surgery day. To assure quality care, we will be asked to confirm the procedure you have scheduled, if you have allergies and if you have had anything to eat or drink. During the admitting process, your personal information will be verified, including your phone number, address, date of birth and insurance information.

Surgery

Once it is time for your surgery, the circulating RN from the operating room will verify your name and what we will be doing for you.

Recovery Room

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for at least 30 to 60 minutes. You will wear devices to monitor your heart and your breathing. Depending on your surgery, you either will be admitted to the hospital or will go to Phase II for further monitoring, to get dressed and be given discharge instructions. We ask that a designated visitor be a part of your discharge process. We will take you out to your waiting vehicle by wheelchair. If you have been given general anesthesia, you will not be permitted to drive.

Helpful Phone Numbers

Our Team

The following physicians and health care providers will be a part of your surgery at Memorial Hermann Southeast:

• Scrub Tech/Nurse: Responsible for passing instruments to the surgeon
• Circulating RN: Manages the operating room and is responsible for documentation and quality control measures
• Anesthesiologist: Oversees the anesthesia and the care provided by the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist; may provide the administration of anesthesia
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): Administers the anesthesia
• Your physicians and health care providers