Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why can't I eat or drink after midnight?
A: We want your surgery to be as safe as possible. The safest way for you to have anesthesia is on an empty stomach. Your surgery could be cancelled if you do not follow these instructions.
Q: Why do I need to arrive 2 hours before my surgery?
A: This gives you time to check in and meet with the anesthesia doctor before surgery.
Q: May I continue my herbal medications?
A: Herbal medicines may have bad side effects on you during surgery. Some of these may keep your blood from clotting. They may interfere with the anesthesia medicines. We usually ask that you stop these medicines two weeks before surgery. Please tell your doctor if you take any herbal medicines.
Q: What should I do if I start my menstrual cycle?
A: This will not affect most surgical procedures. There are a few gyn surgeries which may need to be rescheduled. Call your doctor's office if you have any questions.
Q: What should I do if I believe that I am pregnant?
A: Please tell your surgeon as soon as possible. Some surgeries may need to be rescheduled.
Q: What if I have special needs?
A: We will make every effort to take care of any special need you may have. Please call Outpatient Surgery in advance so that we can prepare for you.
Q: Should I bring my special needs equipment?
A: Yes. Please bring your walker, crutches, hearing aids, etc. with you to Outpatient Surgery.
Q: I need an interpreter/signer.
A: Please let us know this as soon as possible. We will arrange for assistance during your outpatient surgery visit.
Q: I speak Spanish. Can anyone at University Hospital speak Spanish?
A: Many staff members and doctors speak Spanish as well as many other languages. We will provide translators for you.
Q: Can my child bring a favorite stuffed animal, toy or blanket?
A: Yes! We want your child to be as comfortable as possible.
Q: How long will my outpatient surgery procedure take?
A: The length of surgery is different for each person. It depends on the type of surgery you have.
Q: What should I know about anesthesia?
A: Anesthesia gives a person freedom from pain during surgery. There are basically three types of anesthesia.
- General anesthesia
  The patient is given medication to put them in a deep sleep during surgery.
- Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) -
  Medication that prevents pain and relaxes the patient. It does not cause unconsciousness.
- Regional anesthesia
  Medicine that numbs the part of the body where the surgery will be done, i.e., arm, hand, legs, foot, etc.
Q: Will my child get a shot before surgery?
A: Probably not. The medicine given children to help them sleep is usually a liquid that they drink.
Q: How long can I expect to remain in the recovery area after surgery?
A: Patients stay in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for different lengths of time. The average length of stay is one to three hours.
Q: How will my pain be managed?
A: We will ask you if you have pain from the time you arrive in Outpatient Surgery until we call you at home after your surgery.

We will ask you to rate your pain on a numerical scale (0-10). We use the Faces Pain Scale for children (see below). We will give you medicine as needed to keep you comfortable.

Please feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Q: How soon after my surgery can my visitor see me?
A: We know that you may be anxious to see your friend or loved one after surgery. We will tell your visitors when surgery is over. Two people may visit with you when you are in Outpatient Surgery.
Q: I noticed that some patients are allowed to stay overnight. Is that an option for me?
A: Some patients do stay overnight in Outpatient Surgery. This is usually due the type of procedure the patient has had. Your surgeon will whether or not a you will need to stay.
Q: What if I have questions after I go home?
A: Your nurse will provide you with contact information in case you have any questions after you get home.
The University Health System Nurselink department is available 24 hours a day to help you. You may call them at 210-358-3000 for assistance.

If you have an emergency after you return home please call 911.
Q: Should I resume my medications when I return home?
A: Ask your doctor which medicines you can take when you return home after outpatient surgery
Q: Where can my family get something to eat while I'm in surgery?
A: The cafeteria is located on the 3rd floor of the hospital next to the "A" Elevators. Please let the clerks in the Outpatient Surgery waiting room know if you leave the area.
Q: Why am I limited to two visitors?
A: This is to make sure we have a comfortable waiting area with enough seating for all of our patients and visitors in the Outpatient Surgery waiting room.
Q: What happens if I do not have an adult to come to the hospital with me for surgery?
A: Your surgery may be cancelled.
Q: What should I do with my valuables if I bring them with me by mistake?
A: Please leave all of your valuables with your friend or family member.
Q: What hotels and restaurants are available in the area?
A: There is a large selection of restaurants and hotels located near University Hospital.

Nearby Hotel Accommodations
The following Web site provides you with access to a database of hotels located near the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA). Since University Hospital is actually connected to UTHSCSA, we hope this Web site can be useful to you to search for hotels and motels, check availability and discounts, and even make your reservations online. Click here to find hotel accommodations near University Hospital.
Q: Where can I find additional information about surgeries?
A: The following are links to other Web sites with information about surgical care. We hope you find these online resources helpful, but please remember we do not control or endorse the information presented on these Web sites.
- The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, part of the US Department of Health and Human Services
- American Board of Surgery
- American College of Surgeons
- American Medical Association
- American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)
- American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN)