Frequently Asked Questions
This is a list of our Frequently Asked Questions and their
general answers.  If you feel your questions is not
completely answered on this page please call our offices at
404.574.5820.
Where do I go for my procedure?
Colonoscopy:  report to the Endoscopy Lab
located on the first floor of the 77 Bldg.  Park in
the NORTH parking deck.  You should arrive at
least one hour prior to your scheduled
appointment time.  The length of time you will
spend at the hospital for colonoscopy will be
approximately 2-3 hours.
For Ambulatory Surgery:  report to the
McDonnell Surgical Center on Collier road.  Park
in the McDonnell Surgical Center parking lot.  
You should arrive two hours prior to your
scheduled surgery time.
For Inpatient Surgery:  report to the
Admissions Desk in the main hospital (this is
near elevator A).  You should arrive two hours
prior to your scheduled surgery time.
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Can I drive myself home after my procedure?
No:  you must have someone responsible drive
you home after colonoscopy & ambulatory
surgery - these are hospital rules - because you
will be given a sedative for the procedure.  Your
procedure will be cancelled if you do not have a
responsible escort home.
Can I call the office to refill my medications?
Yes:  we will only refill medications during
office hours; so be sure to plan accordingly.
When do I need to call a physician after my surgery?
If you experience a temperature greater than
101 degrees F.
Severe redness or copious drainage of pus from
the incision site.
Worsening abdominal pain.
Severe leg pain or swelling
Nausea or vomiting that persists more than 12
hours.
When do I need to follow-up after surgery?
Please plan to follow-up with your physician in
the office within 1 to 2 weeks.
Call the next day after your surgery to schedule
your post-op appointment.
What preparations should I make for surgery?
Do NOT eat or drink anything for 8 hours before
surgery.
You can brush your teeth before surgery but do
NOT swallow the water.
Consult your doctor if you are on medication
prior to your surgery so they can advise you on
use before surgery.
Your surgery may be cancelled if you have food
or liquid in your stomach at surgery time.
What should I wear to surgery or leave at home?
shoes.
Remove false eyelashes, wigs and contact
lenses, including extended wear contacts.
Do NOT wear any makeup.
Follow your surgeon's instructions regarding
removal of nail polish or acrylic nails.
Do NOT wear cologne or perfume.
Male patients who normally shave daily are to
shave as usual.
All patients should bathe either the night before
or the morning of surgery.
It is advised that you do not smoke or drink
alcoholic beverages for 24 hours before and
after surgery.
What should I bring with me to the Hospital?
Driver's license (as ID) and insurance cards.
Eyeglasses to sign necessary legal documents.
Completed Pre-Anesthesia Evaluation Form.
Completed Pre-Admission Information Sheet.
Completed Post-Operative Transportation/Care
Verification Form.
Any x-rays your doctor has requested.
If the patient is a minor, the parent or legal
guardian must accompany the patient to the
hospital in order to sign legal documents.
Surgery will be cancelled if a minor patient is
unaccompanied by the parent or legal guardian.
What should I leave at home?
All valuables (other than money to pay hospital
bill).
Jewelry (including watch, earrings, rings, etc).
Additional cash.
Cellular or digital phones as these are restricted
in patient care areas by the hospital.