Getting Through Your Surgery:
What’s Involved?
We understand that having surgery can be a stressful event. Our goal is to make the process as simple and easy for you as possible by navigating the medical system for you.
Step 1: Initial office evaluation. We’re here to answer all of your questions and concerns. It may take more than one visit to decide what is right for you. You can find information on specific conditions and procedures on the Urological Conditions page.
Step 2: Scheduling a date. Whenever possible, we try and provide you with a tentative date before you leave the office. We recommend that all patients read our booking procedure.
Step 3: Learning what to expect during your visit to the hospital and how to prepare. Start planning for hospitalization as soon as you know you will be having surgery. Consider how you will get to and from hospital and how you will manage at home after surgery (family/friends).
Pre-operative instructions has information on what you will need to do in order to be ready for surgery, including information on pre-op blood work, fasting and pre-surgical appointments. Your urologist or the anesthesiologist may give you additional instruction. If you can find information on the specific type of surgery you are having on the Procedures & Surgery page. We will make all of your appointments for you and will contact you directly or have the hospital contact you.
Step 4: Pre-surgery testing and pre-admission consultations. Not everyone needs to have tests prior to surgery or to see the Anesthesiologist prior to surgery. For patients who do, we will make all the necessary arrangements and the hospital will contact you to schedule the appointment and any additional tests. Your appointment at the Pre-admission Clinic will usually occur 1-2 weeks prior to surgery. Any medical records which are required for your assessment will be obtained by the hospital – you do not need to do anything.
Step 5: Confirmation of date and time. We will contact you 1-2 weeks prior to the date to confirm. We will contact you the day before the surgery to confirm the time you should come to the hospital.
Step 6: You have your procedure done. Arrive at the appointed time at admitting with required identification. Follow all pre-operative instructions of your surgeon and the pre-admission clinic. A detailed operative note will be sent to the physician who referred you to us. Locations and directions to the various hospitals can be found here. Information on where to go for once you are at the hospital can be found here.
Step 7: Discharge home and post-operative follow-up. Our office will schedule a follow-up visit with you, usually within 2-4 weeks of your procedure. This is to review any results from the surgery, make sure that you are progressing as expected and answer any questions you may have. Specific information on what to expect following your procedure can be found on the Procedures & Surgery page.
Please contact us at any time if you have further questions regarding what to expect.
Scheduling Information for Patients - PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
A. CONFIRMATION OF DATE: We will call you 1-2 weeks before the date above.
B. CONFIRMATION OF TIME: We will call you the day before the date above. If by 2pm the day before you have not yet been contacted, you should call the urology office.
C. PRE-OPERATIVE TESTS OR ANESTHETIC EVALUATION (NOT REQUIRED BY EVERYONE) If required, you will be contacted with a time, usually about 1 week prior to the date of surgery.
D. CANCELLATION/CHANGES: As a courtesy to other patients, please call as soon as you are aware that you need to cancel or make a change to the date.
Please be aware that surgical time is a shared and precious resource. Cancellation without sufficient notice deprives patients in need of care. To discourage abuse of this resource,
A $300 LATE CANCELLATION FEE WILL BE CHARGED IF LESS THAN 10 BUSINESS DAYS NOTICE IS PROVIDED. REBOOKING OF A CANCELLED SURGERY MAY BE DELAYED.
Important Notes:
Your care and your time is important to us. Please note, however, that surgical time is a resource limited by the government which requires us to triage patients in order of need. Surgery for life threatening illnesses is a priority and the need for surgery can arise unexpectedly, therefore, changes to the schedule are sometimes necessary. Please note that:
A. The date we provide is a tentative surgical date and this date is subject to change.
B. We value your time and will do everything in our power to avoid changing the date. If a change is necessary, we will notify you as early as possible and apologize for any inconvenience if this occurs.
C. If we need to change your date or need to cancel your procedure, you will be given priority for re-booking.
If you Were Put on the Waiting List
Unfortunately, we cannot provide you with a date at this time. You have been entered into our own office’s and the hospital’s booking system electronically. Your care is important to us and we will do everything to expedite your care. Please note that operating room resources are not under our control.
Please do not call to determine if you are on the wait list. If you have further questions regarding wait times, please make an appointment to see your urologist.
Please feel free to make an appointment if you have any questions or concerns regarding your upcoming procedure or the wait time.
Our office will arrange any pre-operative doctors appointments and tests which are necessary prior to surgery. These may include consultation with an Anesthesiologist or Internist; they may order additional tests. The hospital will call you to arrange a time.