Prior to surgery

• You will meet with a nurse who will take your blood pressure, pulse, respirations and temperature.
• Several members of the surgical support team will ask you to identify yourself by stating your full name, date of birth and to verify your procedure. This is intended for your safety.
• All females of childbearing age will be asked for a urine sample to conduct a pregnancy test. (Women who have not had menses for more than 12 months or who have had a total hysterectomy are not required to have a pregnancy test.)
• You will meet with an anesthesia specialist to discuss your anesthesia options. You will then change into hospital clothing (all undergarments should be removed) and go to the holding area.
• Once in the holding area, an intravenous line (IV) will be started while you wait for the operating room nurse to come for you. Young children will have their IV's started after they are asleep.
• Occasionally emergencies arise that may affect your surgery time, although, we do everything possible to ensure that your surgery is on time.

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