Surgical Guide

Are you having surgery? In order to best meet your pre-admission needs, we would like you to call our Pre-Admit office at 897- 5900 and schedule a Pre-Operative Appointment.

Download the Ochsner Baptist Medical Center Guide for Surgical Patients


INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR SURGERY

Before, during, and after your surgery, you will be cared for by some of the most skilled and experienced medical professionals. Our surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, specialists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals work with you and your family to ensure a safe, smooth and comfortable surgery and recovery.

In order to best meet your pre-admission needs, we would like you to call our Pre-Admit office at    897-5900 and schedule a Pre-Operative Appointment.  Someone is available to assist you from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM.  You will meet with a Registered Nurse and an Anesthesiologist. If lab tests are required, they will be performed during your visit. Please allow about one and a half hours for this visit.

To prepare for your visit, you will need to bring the following information or items with you:

  1. Picture Identification
  2. Insurance Card
  3. Bring original medication bottles, including over the counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements or an accurate list of all medications and supplements including name and dosages.
  4. List of allergies
  5. Orders and any other forms your doctor has given to you
  6. Copies of lab results performed at other facilities. This may include blood work, EKGs or chest x-rays. These results can be faxed to 504-897-4559.

The Pre-Op Center is located on the first floor of the Magnolia building at 2626 Napoleon Avenue. Parking is located in the rear of the building and is easily accessed from Magnolia Street. When you arrive, please check in at the main information desk.
If you have not received your arrival time, please call your surgeon’s office after noon on the day before your surgery.

THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR SURGERY

DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT, INCLUDING GUM, HARD CANDY, MINTS, OR CHEWING TOBACCO.

Take a complete shower the night before your surgery with Hibiclens. If you are allergic to Chlorhexidine (the antiseptic in Hibiclens), use an antibacterial soap such as Dial soap or any soap labeled “antibacterial” for your preoperative showers. Bathing instructions and Hibiclens (chlorhexidine gluconate) will be given to you at your preoperative appointment. If for some reason you misplace the cleanser or were unable to come in for your preoperative appointment, you can purchase Hibiclens at most pharmacies. Wash your body from the neck down with Hibiclens (chlorhexidine gluconate) soap.  Keep the soap away from your eyes, ears, and mouth. After washing with Hibiclens, rinse thoroughly.  Shampoo your hair with your regular shampoo.

THE DAY OF SURGERY

  • Take another bath or shower with Hibiclens or any antibacterial soap to reduce the chance of infection.
  • Take heart and blood pressure medications as advised by the perioperative team with a small sip of water. Do not take diuretics or fluid pills.
  • Please contact your primary care doctor to get instructions regarding your diabetic medications
  • You may brush your teeth and rinse your mouth, but do not swallow any water.
  • Do not apply perfume, powder, body lotions or deodorant on the day of surgery.
  • If you choose to wear makeup, it should be minimal. No mascara. No false eye lashes. Nail polish should be removed.
  • Wear comfortable clothes, such as a button front shirt and loose fitting pants.
  • Leave all jewelry, including body piercings, and valuables at home.
  • Hairpins and clasps must be removed before you enter the operating room.
  • You may wear glasses, dentures, and hearing aids before and after surgery. They may need to be removed before going into the operating room. Contact lenses worn before surgery must be removed before entering the operating room. Please bring a case for your hearing aids, glasses, and/or contacts.
  • If you develop a cold, persistent cough, sore throat, fever, or any other illness within two days of surgery, or have ongoing symptoms from any new episode of these ailments since your preoperative visit, please contact your surgeon.
  • Please make sure that you have a ride home. For your safety, you will not be allowed to drive yourself home or go home alone in a cab after you have received sedation.