Pre-operative evaluations

To ensure the safest surgical experience possible we require that all patients undergo a pre-operative evaluation. This evaluation can be completed at the Shands Florida Surgical Center on a day before your surgery or several hours prior to your scheduled surgical time.

This work-up may include lab tests and an EKG. If you have had lab tests within the past four weeks or an EKG in the last six months, you can bring a copy of the results and it may not be necessary to repeat the test.

Also, you will be seen by an anesthesiologist. Your surgeon's office staff will schedule a time for your pre-operative evaluation at Shands Florida Surgical Center. This process will take approximately one and one-half hours. Additional time may be required depending on the number of tests needed.

Surgery Schedule

Please call Shands Florida Surgical Center (352.265.8990) the day before your surgery to learn your scheduled time of arrival on the day of your surgery. You must call between 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm to receive this information. Information is not available after this time.

Additional Information

Your surgeon will give you instructions to follow prior to your surgery. The following list contains additional instructions that are important which you should be familiar.

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to surgery unless your surgeon instructs you otherwise. If your surgery is scheduled after 1:00 pm, consult a nurse at the Center for specific instructions.
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol after midnight prior to your surgery.
• You must have someone available to drive you home and care for you after your surgery is completed. Your surgery will be cancelled if you arrive on the day of your surgery without arrangements for someone to drive you home.
• A parent or legal guardian of minor patients must stay in the facility during the entire surgical procedure.
• Take all of your regularly scheduled medicines the day of surgery except medications for diabetes. Please discuss any medications with your doctor or a physician at Shands Florida Surgical Center.
• Notify your doctor if you develop any signs of illness such as a cold or a fever before the date of your surgical procedure.
• Leave all jewelry and other valuables at home.
• If you wear contacts or glasses, bring a case to put them in.
• Remove nail polish and makeup prior to arriving at Shands Florida Surgical Center.
• Bring comfortable, loose fitting clothes to wear home. If you are having hand, arm, foot or leg surgery you may have a large dressing after surgery and clothing should fit loosely over it. A gown will be provided for use while you are at the Center.
• If your surgical procedure will require the use of a sling or crutches afterwards and you already have these items, you are encouraged to bring them with you.
• If you are traveling out of the immediate area to go home, bring a pillow and a blanket to make your ride more comfortable.
• If you need special help because of a disability, please call 352.265.8990.

More Information

For more information about Shands Florida Surgical Center, please call 352.733.8800.