Expect to be contacted by an Abington Surgical Center pre-op nurse after 12pm (either by text, E-mail or phone based upon communication preferences selected during pre-registration) the business day prior to your procedure with instructions regarding fasting and exact time for your arrival all of which are specific to your procedure and physician preferences. Please note that your time may change from the original time you were told due to changes in physicians’ schedules.

A parent or guardian must accompany any child under 18 years of age to Abington Surgical Center. Failure to observe the above requirements may result in cancellation of your operation or procedure.

• Please do not eat solids after midnight before surgery. You are permitted clear liquids (water, apple juice, tea, black coffee) up to two hours before the arrival at the Center. Please no milk, cream or orange juice.
• All adult Surgical Patients, AT THE REQUEST OF THE ANESTHESIA DEPARTMENT, please take Tylenol 1000mg (as long as you are not allergic) with a mouthful of water before you leave the house to come to the surgical center. If you have kidney disease only take 500mg. Patients having Pain Management procedures or GI procedures do not need to take Tylenol.
• On the morning of your surgery please hold all medications, except above Tylenol, and BRING YOUR MORNING MEDICATIONS WITH YOU TO THE SURGICAL CENTER. Anesthesia will determine which medications you can take.
• Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and any MRI reports to Registration. Please be prepared to pay your applicable co-pay and deductibles. Do not bring any other valuables.
• Do not smoke.
• You may brush your teeth on the day of your procedure, however you may not chew gum or have mints.
• Wear loose clothing and low-heeled shoes.
• Patients having breast, face, neck or shoulder surgery please wear an oversized shirt, preferably that opens in the front, in order to make dressing after your procedure easier.
• Patients having abdominal or leg surgery please wear loose fitting pants preferably with an elastic waist. Jeans are usually not a good choice since they do not fit over bulky dressings.
• Please REMOVE ALL JEWELRY including WEDDING RINGS and BODY PIERCINGS.
• Remove false eyelashes.
• Do not wear contact lenses. Wear your eyeglasses and bring your eyeglass case with you.
• You MUST have a driver over the age of 18 to bring you and THEY MUST STAY HERE AT THE ABINGTONSURGERY CENTER DURING YOUR PROCEDURE, and then take you home afterwards. Someone should stay with you for at least 24 hours after your procedure.
• You will not be permitted to take a cab/Uber or Lyft home unless you have an adult here at the surgical center to accompany you home.
• Relax and leave the rest to us!

Call Abington Surgical Center immediately if you are unable to keep your appointment or will be late: 215-443-8505.

Download or Print: Day of Surgery

Welcome to the Abington Surgical Center!

Patient FAQ

Q: When will I need to arrive for my procedure?

• You will receive your arrival time the day before your surgery via text (unless you opt for a phone call).
• This time is approximately 1 hour before your expected surgical time.
• Please disregard any communication from your surgeon’s office / Epic portal regarding time of arrival.

Please be aware that surgery times are approximate, delays, although inconvenient, can happen, and will be communicated as they arise. Our front desk team will be available if you or your family members have any questions!

 

Q: What is required of my ride home?

• Please remember, your ride WILL need to remain ON PREMISIS and available while you are here

 

Q: What will happen during Pre-Op?

• In the Pre-Op area, you will change into a gown and your belongings will be placed in a belonging holding area.
• You will speak with anesthesia, your surgeon, and a nurse will prepare you for your procedure.
• Your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature will be taken. An intravenous (IV) line may be started.
• Before you are transported to the operating room, your surgeon will mark your operative site with a surgical marking pen. This is part of our safety policy- to verify that we have the correct site.

 

Q: Will my family/ support person be allowed in the Pre-Op area?

• Visitation in the preoperative area is dependent on many factors, all efforts will be made to bring them back prior to surgery when possible.
• All MINORS are required to have (1) parent/guardian with them during their time in Pre-Op.
• Reminder: No photos or videos are allowed in patient care areas

 

Q: What can I expect in the Operating Room?

• Patients are permitted to walk into the Operating Room unless assistance is needed.
• Your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing will be monitored to ensure your comfort and safety.
• The lights may seem bright and the temperature cool in the Operating room.
• Your surgical team is there to support you during this process.

 

Q: How will my family/ support person know I am finished surgery?

• Many surgeons will give updates after surgery. Our consultation room is available for your privacy upon request.
• The PACU will give updates whenever possible- For additional updates the receptionist will be happy to help you

 

Q: What happens in the Post-Operative Unit (PACU)?

• After surgery you will be taken to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) /recovery room where you will be monitored closely for on average, 30 minutes – 1hour as the anesthesia wears off.
• You may feel confused, forgetful, dizzy, nauseous, and tired as the anesthesia wears off. These symptoms may linger for many hours after discharge. Pediatric patients may cry or scream (this is normal); the team will be there to help!

 

Q: Can I have visitors in the Recovery Room?

• Visitation in the Recovery room will be allowed when possible.
• We ask that visitors are limited to 1 at a time with the exception of pediatric patients where 2 are permitted.
• We ask that visitors under the age of 15 remain supervised in the waiting room.

 

Q: What happens when it is time to be discharged?

• Prior to discharge your nurse will review homecare instructions, review any new medications prescribed, and review what to do in an emergency/ or if you are experiencing symptoms that require your surgeon’s attention.
• Your nurse will support you as you dress and your ride will be directed to brin the car to the discharge door.

You will receive a post-op call the following business day from one of our nurses.

Urgent questions can be directed to your surgeon’s office.

After your procedure, keep an eye out for your patient satisfaction E-Survey regarding your experience with us!

We appreciate all your feedback!   

Download or Print: Day of Surgery

Expect a phone call from Abington Surgical Center post- operative nurses to check in with you regarding any issues you may be having after your procedure and if you have a full understanding of the post operative instructions you were given after surgery.

Download or Print: After your Surgery

• Please bring the photo ID of the parent or legal guardian and your child’s insurance card
• The child MUST be accompanied by parent or legal guardian (paperwork must be provided).
• It is required that a parent or legal guardian remain at the surgical center the entire time the child is in our building.
• Please bring a blanket, stuffed animal, favorite toy or other item of comfort for your child to take through the operating room and into the recovery room with them. Bringing a tablet/iPad or other handheld gaming device is also suggested to be used in the preoperative area as it is found to be a good relaxation tool.
• For infants or toddlers, please bring a bottle or sippy cup for the recovery room and extra diapers.

 

Fasting Instructions

Your child may have a light meal (which consists of toast or formula) until 6 hours before arrival time at the surgical center.

Your child may have breast milk until 4 hours before arrival time at surgical center.

Your child may have clear liquids (which consists of water, apple juice, jello) until 2 hours before arrival time at surgical center.
Download or Print: Additional Pediatric Instructions