Your Appointment

Preparing for a Visit

It is normal to feel some apprehension prior to your surgery. We feel it is important to inform you of what you can expect to help alleviate some of your fears before your surgery.

Printable Instructions: For Adults | For Children

PRE-OPERATIVE INFORMATION
A surgery staff member will contact you by phone before your scheduled surgery regarding:

  • Time of arrival
  • Time of surgery
  • A brief medical history including medications
  • Special instructions
  • Insurance Information

    • Please call us between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at (605) 335-4252 or 800-830-7010 if you have not been contacted one day prior to surgery, and ask for Susan.

    BEFORE YOUR SURGERY

  • You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home. You will need to have someone with you to receive your discharge instructions as well.
  • You must arrange to have a responsible adult stay with you for 24 hours following surgery.
  • If you are on blood thinners, including ASA, or anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen) medications, you may need to discontinue them. Please check with your primary physician.
  • During the pre-operative phone call, a nurse will give you instructions when you need to stop eating and drinking before surgery. It is very important for these instructions to be followed or your surgery may be delayed or cancelled.
  • Avoid wearing nail polish or heavy makeup.
  • No alcohol or cigarettes 24 hours prior to surgery.
  • If you develop a cold, sore throat or infection, notify your surgeon.


    • DAY OF SURGERY

  • Wear your hearing aid.
  • If you wear glasses, bring your case, do not wear contacts.
  • If you use an inhaler, bring it.
  • If you are on insulin, bring it.
  • Leave jewelry and valuables at home, including all body piercings.
  • You may brush your teeth the morning of surgery.
  • Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing that you will be able to easily take off and put on before and after your surgery. You may need to cover large bandages, so make sure you wear clothing that is large enough.
  • Bring your insurance information. Worker's Compensation cases must provide all claim information, including the date of injury.
  • Check in at the Front Desk.
  • You will receive an identification bracelet. It is important that all patients wear an ID bracelet while at Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital.
  • A nurse and anesthesiologist will evaluate you before surgery.
  • Your caregiver may remain with you until surgery.
  • Please ask questions or communicate any concerns regarding the surgical procedure.
  • Your surgeon will visit with your caregiver after surgery.


    • FOR CHILDREN

    Children
  • Check out the Virtual Tour of our facility.
  • Print out a copy of our Coloring and Activity Book.
  • Bring any comfort items for your child (blanket, toy, pacifier, etc.)
  • Bring an empty bottle or sippy cup for after surgery.
  • Bring change of clothes, diapers, and two piece pajamas.
  • A parent or guardian will remain with the child until the surgery.
  • Parents may accompany children between the ages of 12 months and 7 years old to the surgical suite until the child is asleep. At that time, parents will be asked to return to the Family Reception area. If this is your desire, please let your preop nurse know the day of your child's procedure.
  • Prents should remain in the Family Reception area during surgery in case the surgeon, nurse, or anesthesiologist needs to contact you. When surgery is complete, the surgeon will meet with you to discuss your child's procedure.