Patients preparing for outpatient surgery at St. Joseph’s/Candler are advised to follow specific guidelines to ensure their safety and a smooth recovery process. The hospital system, which operates four locations—St. Joseph’s Hospital, Candler Hospital, the SJ/C Pooler Campus, and the Surgical Specialty Center—has seen a significant increase in outpatient procedures. In fiscal year 2024, more than 22,000 surgeries were performed across these sites, nearly 8,000 more than eight years ago.
The rise in outpatient surgeries is attributed to advancements in technology such as laparoscopic and robotic techniques. These minimally-invasive approaches allow patients to recover faster and typically return home within 23 hours of their procedure.
Patient safety remains the primary concern during both outpatient and inpatient surgeries at St. Joseph’s/Candler. Stefanie Reed, clinical practice coordinator for St. Joseph’s/Candler Surgical Services, emphasizes the importance of following pre-surgery instructions: “These guidelines are important for patient safety, first and foremost. They help prepare the patient and minimize potential risks,” says Reed. “Following these guidelines help for a seamless procedure on the day of surgery and are key for a quicker and safer recovery.”
Patients can expect several steps before surgery:
– A phone call will inform them of their arrival time.
– Instructions on when to stop eating or drinking will be provided based on individual circumstances.
– Comfortable clothing is recommended; tight-fitting clothes should be avoided.
– Patients are asked not to wear makeup or use perfumes, sprays, hairspray, or body lotion to reduce infection risk.
– Jewelry and valuables should not be brought; hair clips or bands should also be avoided.
– All nail polish or artificial nails must be removed because oxygen levels are monitored through the nail beds during anesthesia. According to Reed, polished nails can interfere with accurate readings.
– Guidance about daily medications will be given during pre-screening appointments.
– Typically only two visitors per patient are allowed due to space limitations.
– If general anesthesia is used or medication affects alertness, patients must have a driver and someone with them for at least 24 hours after discharge.
– Entertainment is suggested as wait times may vary depending on surgical schedules.
– Patients should expect repeated questions regarding personal details and surgical plans as an added safety measure.
“Be prepared to get asked a lot of questions like your name, your date of birth, what you are having done, which side, and you’ll probably be asked four or five times,” Reed says. “This is to make sure everybody’s on the same page, and we’re keeping the patient safe.”
Outpatient surgeries at St. Joseph’s/Candler are usually scheduled Monday through Friday.
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