Your Operation
Before Surgery
Once your surgery is scheduled, we will schedule a “history and physical” appointment for you. The H&P is performed by one of the Neurosurgery nurse practioners, also called NPs. The NP will perform a brief physical exam and also will interview you to find out about your medical history. The NP will explain to you what you can expect before, during and after your surgery, and will answer any questions you have. Important: During your H&P, the NP may need to order additional tests such as blood tests or X-rays. Please block off 2-4 hours for your H&P exam to allow extra time for tests or blood work if needed.
You will be sent home with detailed instructions about what you should do before your surgery and on the day of your surgery. These instructions tell you where to park, what medications you can and cannot take, what you can eat and drink, etc. The NP also will tell you what to expect during your recovery after surgery and will answer questions you have about how long you will be in the hospital, when you can return to normal activities, etc.
Day of Surgery
Please arrive at the hospital 30 minutes before you have been asked to arrive in order to allow time for parking and getting to the Admitting area. You should park in the Taubman A Parking Lot. Then, follow signs to the first floor of the main hospital and go to the Admitting area. Shortly after you check in with Admitting, you will be taken to a holding area where a nurse will start your IV, and you will be seen by your anesthesiologist. A family member or friend may accompany you during this time.
When it is time for your surgery, you will be given anesthesia and taken to surgery.
While you are in surgery, your family and friends will wait in the family waiting room (located near Admitting). During your surgery, your family or friends can ask for a status report from the surgeon, and the Admitting area staff will contact the surgeon. After your surgery is complete, your surgeon will come out to the waiting room to provide those waiting for you with a report.
After Surgery
You will be taken to the recovery room where you will "wake up" from your anesthetic. Your family or friends will come to see you in the recovery room. You will be in the recovery room for a few hours before you are taken to your hospital room – or, if you are an outpatient, discharged.
When you are discharged from the hospital, you will be sent home with detailed post-operative instructions and a plan for managing any pain.
