Thank you for choosing Arctic Surgery Center.
Our facility combines a private and relaxing atmosphere with the latest technologies and concierge service to create a unique outpatient surgical experience unlike anything currently available in Alaska.
Before Surgery
Below is a list of important pre-operative requirements and instructions.
It is important for you to follow these guidelines before surgery to prevent delay or cancellations.
- Please complete your lab work ideally between 2-6 business days before your surgery. Fast for 6 hours before having your blood drawn and bring in your form on a walk-in basis to your preferred lab clinic. If you are 50yrs+ you will also require an EKG and chest x-ray.
- Avoid dental procedures 3 weeks prior to your surgery and for 6 weeks following your surgical procedure.
- Do not take blood thinning medications starting 10 days before your surgery date and do not resume taking them until 30 days after your surgery date. These include aspirin, plavix, coumadin, ticlid, lovenox, dipyridamole, dicoumarol. Do not take the following vitamins starting 7 days before your surgery date: fish oil, vitamin E, Vitamin A, gingko biloba, ginseng, garlic, green tea, grapefruit supplements.
- Pick up your prescriptions from your doctor’s office and follow the instructions.
- If you feel you are developing cold/flu symptoms or are recovering from the cold/flu prior to surgery, please notify our office as soon as possible. We recommend taking a Vitamin C supplement before and after surgery to boost your immune system and assist with wound healing.
- Our nurse and anesthesiologist will call/meet with you before your surgery to perform a pre-operative assessment on your general medical history, anesthesia history and medications.
- Ladies: Please remove all nail polish and any acrylic/gel/fake nails before your surgery date.
- Gentlemen: Please shave all facial and neck hair before your surgery date.
- NPO GUIDELINES: Do NOT eat anything for 10 hours before your surgery start time. You may have a light meal a minimum of 10 hours before your start time. An example of a light meal includes a toast/bagel with clear liquids. Avoid fatty, fried or meat products. Clear fluids, alone such as water, clear apple juice, black coffee, or tea without sugar or milk may be taken a minimum of 4 hours prior to surgery. If you do not follow this protocol, our anesthesiologist will not put you to sleep and your surgery will be cancelled.
- Take your current pain medications with 1 ounce of water up to 2 hours before your surgery time. Please also take your medically necessary medications at this time. Examples of medically necessary medications include decadron, medications for seizures, high blood pressure, thyroid or heart disease. Note the time you have taken the medication so that you can tell your anesthesiologist.
- Please bring all prescribed oral pain medications with you on the day of your surgery.
- Please make arrangements for a responsible adult to give you a ride home and act as your caregiver upon your discharge.
- Check in at Arctic Surgery Center two hours before your surgery start time.
- Please make arrangements to return back for all post-operative visits including suture removal.
Discharge and Post Operative Instructions
Below is a list of important post-operative requirements and instructions.
It is important for you to follow these guidelines after surgery to ensure a prompt recovery.
- The pain medicines and anesthetics you received during your stay at our facility will continue to have an effect on you for 24 hours. Therefore, during the first 24 hours after your procedure for your safety and the safety of others:
- DO NOT STAY ALONE. You may feel sleepy, lightheaded or dizzy at times. We strongly recommend that a responsible adult be with you for the rest of the day of surgery and also during the night for your protection and safety.
- DO NOT DRIVE A MOTOR VEHICLE or operate power tools.
- DO NOT MAKE MAJOR DECISIONS or sign important papers.
- DO NOT TAKE SEDATIVES OR TRANQUILIZERS or any non-prescribed medication unless otherwise instructed by your anesthesiologist or your surgeon.
- You may eat what you like unless otherwise instructed. Begin with clear liquids, then progress to soft foods as tolerated.
- After the surgery, your old pain should be gone. However you will experience new pain in the region of the incision and surgical site which will get better in time. You may continue to have some pain due to inflammation and swelling of the previously compressed or irritated nerves. Pain, spasms, numbness and tingling will diminish over time. It is generally not considered permanent unless it lasts more than six months.
- You will be prescribed pain medication for acute post-surgical pain. Follow the instructions given by your doctor.
- Anesthetics and pain medicines may cause constipation in some individuals. To alleviate constipation, you can add fiber husks to your diet, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and take a probiotic to restore your gut flora. You may also take stool softeners/laxatives such as magnesium citrate or Senna-S which you can purchase over the counter at your local pharmacy. If you reduce your pain narcotic medications, you should also see a reduction in constipation.
- Anesthetics and pain medicines may cause nausea and vomiting in some individuals. Do not be alarmed if you are experiencing this after your surgery. If your nausea is severe, follow the instructions on the label of your anti-nausea medication.
- Light walking is encouraged after your surgery. You may walk 1 or 2 blocks 3-4 times a day or further as your strength increases. You may resume sexual relations, but compromises may be needed in positioning to avoid discomfort.
- Avoid physical therapy, massage, chiropractic, acupuncture or other alternative therapies on or around the surgical area for 4 months, unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
- You may return to the gym and exercise one month after your surgery. Do not participate in vigorous sporting activities or strenuous activity that may place stress on your surgical area for at least 4 months after surgery to avoid potential injury and re-operation.
- Do not use any blood thinning medications for 30 days after your surgery. This includes aspirin, coumadin, plavix, ticlid, lovenox, dipyridamole, dicoumarol.
- Avoid lifting more than 20 pounds for the first 4 weeks. Avoid household chores that require lifting or bending such as vacuuming, lifting laundry, gardening, or shoveling snow.
OFFICE HOURS
Monday – Friday 8:00 – 5:00