1. What is the next step after having a consultation with the surgeon?

We may need to submit prior authorization based on your insurance. This process will take about 5 to 10 business days. The surgery coordinator will give you a call and give further instructions once your authorization has been approved or if authorization is not needed. Please contact our office if you do not receive a call after 2 weeks. 

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2. What do I do after my surgery is booked? 

If directed, you will need to see your primary care physician (PCP) or cardiologist for pre-operation (pre op) testing.  Your PCP or cardiologist will either “clear” you for surgery OR may require you to get additional blood work, EKG, or chest x-rays before clearing you.  Clearance is determined by your medical history and the requirements set by the surgery facility.

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3. When do I need to see my primary care physician (PCP) for pre-op testing?  

Results from your blood work, chest x-rays, and EKGs must be within 30 days of surgery depending on the requirements of the surgery facility and your medical history.  Some surgery facilities require results to be within 7 days from the surgery date. Please manage your time to schedule an appointment promptly with your PCP. The surgery coordinator will give you a call with a reserved date, time, and facility location once we secure a date for your procedure.

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4. Do I need any preparation the day before my surgery? 

Procedures in the anal region will require fleet enema.  Colon procedures will need bowel prep, which starts the day before your scheduled surgery date.  Please contact our office if you did not receive pre-op instructions. Do not eat or drink after midnight, the night before your surgery, otherwise your surgery will be cancelled at your expense. 

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5. What is a fleet enema and how do I use it?

Fleet enema is a solution injected anally to cleanse your rectum by causing bowel movement.  To use a fleet enema, position yourself in, or near, the bathroom and lie down on your left side with your knees bent close.  Remove the cap from the applicator tip and gently insert the tip into your rectum. Slowly squeeze the bottle to empty the contents into the rectum.  For best results, continue to lie down and hold in the enema until you feel the urge to have a bowel movement.  This is to be used anally. DO NOT DRINK IT! Please see below for fleet enema instructions (available only on desktop).

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6. I have a date for colon surgery.  What do I need to do to prepare for surgery?

You will need to clean out your colon.  Please call our office if bowel prep instructions were not given to you. You can also find the bowel prep instructions below (available only on desktop).​​

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7. What happens if I do not want to proceed with the surgery that was recommended for me after my consultation?

You will need to notify us as soon as you reach that decision.  A cancellation fee may apply.

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8. Is there a cancellation fee if I decide to cancel my surgery?

Due to the extent of preparation required to set up surgery, cancellations must be requested at least 48 hours (2 days) in advance of your scheduled surgery date.  Cancellations shorter than 48 hours will accrue a $50 cancellation fee.  We understand unforeseen circumstances may occur, however, we ask that patients provide at least one week notice, when possible,  so that we have time to prep another patient for that unfilled surgical slot.

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9. How do I verify if you accept my insurance?  What are the costs of my surgery?

Verification of insurance will be provided by the office prior to scheduling.  Patients are responsible for notifying the office of any changes to insurance. After surgery, the surgery center, anesthesiologist, pathology (if specimen was sent out for testing) and surgeon will send a claim to your insurance company, and you will receive a separate bill from each entity.  Your total cost will depend on the chosen benefits purchased through your insurance company. Please contact your insurance company for details regarding out of pocket costs.  

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10. Can I still take my medications before having surgery?

Please consult with your primary care physician (PCP) about taking specific medications before surgery.

 

11. Can I smoke or drink before and/or after surgery?

Smoking and drinking can potentially cause complications with anesthesia and wound healing.  We advise you to not smoke or drink alcohol at least a week before surgery and until after your postoperative visit. 

 

12. Can I take a taxi or Uber home after surgery?

No.  The facility will not discharge you if you do not have a ride home from a close family member or friend.  Please arrange a ride home before your surgery.  Do NOT drive yourself home. 

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13. Will pain medications be prescribed for me?

Before you are discharged, pain medications may be prescribed depending on your procedure.  Please remember to ask for instructions or have your questions answered before being discharged from the hospital or surgery center. 

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14. How long do I have to wait to shower after surgery?

The majority of the incision area will be covered by adhesive water impermeable glue.  You can get the wound wet right away unless instructed otherwise after surgery. Do NOT scrub your wound.  Gently pat your wound dry. 

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15. How do I care for my wound?

Do not put powders, lotions, or creams on your wound.  They may cause your wound to get infected. Do not get in a swimming pool or hot tub until your healthcare provider/surgeon says it is alright to do so.  Check your wound every day for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. Bruising is normal and expected. 

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16. How do I pack my wound at home?

Some surgeries will result in open wounds that will require daily packing.  Simple open wounds can be dressed by pushing a corner of the gauze into the open wound and then secured by tape.  If the wound is large and more complicated, home health service will be set up for you and your dressing will be changed daily.  

 

17. What should I do if I feel nauseous a few days after surgery?

It is important to stay away from fatty, greasy foods.  Your body will adjust with time. Please consult with the nurse and/or doctor about your dietary restrictions or instructions before getting discharged from the hospital or surgery center.

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18. What should I do if I am constipated or unable to urinate after surgery?

Try taking a sitz bath (20 minute bath in warm water).  A sitz bath will allow you to sit in warm water to help relieve soreness, burning, and inflammation.  It also helps to relax the anal sphincter and release stool. Drink liquids as directed; Liquids may prevent constipation and straining during a bowel movement.

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19. What do I do if my JP Tube is leaking and/or blood is visible?

Slight blood tinged fluid in the JP is normal.  The blood should clear up in a few days. Reinforce dressing around the JP insertion site if there is leakage. 

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20. I have a colostomy bag and I have stool coming out of my rectum. Is this normal?

Small amount of stool/mucus passed through the rectum is normal and will become less frequent over time.  

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21. Are my stitches dissolvable?

Most sutures used are dissolvable.  If they are not, you will be instructed to return to the clinic for suture removal once your wounds heal.

 

22. I had surgery in my rectal area, and I am having bleeding. What should I do?

It is normal to have rectal pain and spot bleeding the first 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.  However, if you have continuous bleeding, please contact our office immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. 

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23. When can I go back to work or school after having surgery?

It varies depending on the type of surgery you had.  Please consult with the nurse or doctor before getting discharged from the hospital or surgery center. 

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24. Can I resume my daily activities? 

You can resume back to light exercising, walking/running, intimacy activities, and house duties as tolerated unless directed otherwise by your surgeon.  

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25. When should I call the office?

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FOR ANAL PROCEDURE:

• You have very bad pain in or around your anus.

• You have bleeding from your anus that does not stop.

• You are unable to have a bowel movement after 3 days.

• You have spasms in your anus that do not stop. 

• Your bowel movements are black, bloody, or tarry-looking.

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FOR HERNIA REPAIR:

• You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and/or have chest pain.

• You cough up blood.

• You have trouble breathing.

• Your abdomen or groin feels hard and looks bigger than usual.

• Blood soaks through your bandage.

• You have a fever above 101F.

• Your incision is swollen, red, or draining discharge. 

• You have nausea, or you are vomiting. 

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FOR LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY (GALLBLADDER REMOVAL):

• You have severe abdominal pain.

• You cannot stop vomiting.