LINX Postoperative Care & Information
Main Office Phone & After Hours Line:
303.398.1355 Option 4 / After Hours: 303.398.1355
Preparing for an upcoming operation can be stressful. We have put this information together to help ease your mind. To us, going to the operating room is quite routine, since we spend most of our time there. For most of you, it is a strange place where everyone wears blue and covers their faces with masks. Not only that, but also you also have to put on the notoriously unfashionable gown and be wheeled around in a bed when you are perfectly capable of walking. Yes, it is a bit strange. We hope this will take some of the unknown out of it for you.
Before Surgery
You will receive instructions regarding where to go and what time to be there for your surgery. You may be called the night before by the anesthesiologist. Do not take blood thinning medication for seven days prior to surgery (aspirin, coumadin, etc.). Please ask if you have not received clear instructions regarding your medications.
Day of Surgery
Please arrive on time according to your preoperative instructions, but realize that surgery start times are estimations. Some operations take longer than planned and we appreciate your patience. Leave all non-essential valuables at home, but be sure to bring a good book or something else to read or do. Before surgery you will likely meet one of the “residents” (see information below) who will be assisting during the operation. Your surgeon will meet with your familyand/or caregiver after surgery when you are in the recovery room. It usually takes another one to two hours from that time until your family will be able to see you. Many family members wish to leave the hospital during the operation which is perfectly acceptable. Your surgeon is happy to call the designated family member after the surgery, just be sure to designate someone to call and make sure the phone number you provide is a working number.
What is a Resident?
Residents are general surgeons in training who have been carefully selected to spend 5+ years mastering all aspects of general surgery. They are essential to our team, and you will see them regularly, probably more than your surgeon. Although they are excellently trained, residents are under the constant supervision of your surgeons.
