Before Your Surgery

Surgery can be a stressful experience regardless of your age; whether it is your first time or second or third. You can rest easy with the knowledge that the team of friendly and competent professionals at Susquehanna Valley Surgery Center will care for you with respect and compassion, focused on your successful surgical outcome.

You will receive a phone call approximately three days prior to your surgical procedure (Friday for Monday’s procedure) from our pre-assessment nurse. Please be prepared to discuss the current medications you are taking as well as your medical history. It is extremely important that you receive your preoperative instructions. The nurse will answer any final questions that you have at this time.

One day before your procedure, a staff member will contact you to tell you what time you are expected to arrive.

To facilitate our ability to get in touch with you, please make sure your physician has all of your contact information including your cell phone numbers.

The following list of instructions is provided to ensure your safety and provide a smooth admission process:

  • Do not eat or drink the night prior to surgery unless instructed otherwise by your doctor or the surgery center staff. This includes gum, mints, lozenges, hard candy and chewing tobacco.
  • Do not consume alcohol 24 hours prior to your arrival.
  • Stop smoking after midnight.
  • Complete the medication reconciliation form and the anesthesia health history provided to you by your doctor. If you do not have these forms, you can download them from our library of forms.
  • Notify your physician if there is a change in your physical condition such as a cold, rash, sore throat, cough, fever or upset stomach. If you need to cancel your surgery please notify Susquehanna Valley Surgery Center and your physician’s office.
  • It is your responsibility to make arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home after your surgery, which is required by Pennsylvania Department of Health regulation. Your driver must be 18 years or older and should remain in the facility. You may use public transportation if you are accompanied by a responsible adult companion. Failure to arrive with a responsible adult companion may result in cancellation of your procedure.
  • Remember not to eat or drink anything unless you have special instructions from the preoperative nurse.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. If you are having a cataract operation, please wear a short-sleeved, button down shirt, if possible.
  • If you are diabetic, please check your blood sugar in the morning on the day of surgery and bring the result with you to the center. Hold insulin or oral hypoglycemic pills unless directed by your physician; however you may wear your insulin pump.
  • Use your inhalers as per usual and bring your rescue inhaler or nebulizers with you.
  • Do not wear contact lenses. If you wear glasses, please bring a case with you.
  • Leave all valuables and jewelry at home. Body piercings must be removed prior to arrival or have been replaced with a plastic retainer.
  • Children may come in their pajamas and bring a favorite toy or stuffed animal with them. If applicable, you may also bring a special bottle or drinking cup. Please bring an extra pair of underwear or diaper as well. All patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who must remain in the Center for the duration of the visit.
  • Female patients are requested not to wear makeup, nail polish and hair pins. Please refrain from using hair spray, gel, or other hair products.
  • If you have a medical device implanted please bring your device ID card.
  • Please remember to bring all completed paperwork given to you by your physician’s office or downloaded from this site.
  • You will need your insurance cards and a photo ID, such as your driver’s license. Parents are requested to know their child’s social security number unless already given to their physician. You should also be prepared to pay any co-payments or deductibles, if applicable.
  • For our podiatric and orthopedic patients….please bring your crutches with you to facilitate your exit from your car to your home. There is no need to bring them into the Center.
  • In order to protect your privacy and that of other patients, we recommend that you limit the number of persons accompanying you to one or two. Please do not bring children to the Center unless they are having surgery.

Susquehanna Valley Surgery Center

717-657-7556

4310 Londonderry Road Suite #1 Harrisburg, PA 17109

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