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Cancer Surgery Guide - Cancer Treatments | MemorialCare Medical Centers in California
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Preparing for Surgery

As a general rule, you should not eat or drink after midnight on the day before your surgery. Be aware of special instructions from your doctor. Be sure to follow any specific instructions given to you by your surgeon or health team professional about your medications. Contact your doctor if there are any changes to your health such as a cold, fever, chills or other illness.

You will not be able to drive yourself home following a surgical procedure, so be sure to make transportation arrangements prior to the day of surgery.

Things to Remember the Morning of Surgery

What To Expect On Surgery Day

After Surgery

Following surgery, you will be brought to a recovery area, where critical care is provided during recovery from anesthesia. Once you awake and are able to sit up, you will be admitted to the outpatient second stage observation area. At this time, one family member may come to the observation area to visit. After surgery, the surgeon will speak with your waiting family regarding your surgical outcome.
MemorialCare Health System is a not-for-profit integrated-delivery system which includes Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach, Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center and Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in Laguna Hills and San Clemente. Our community-based hospitals are located in Southern California in both Los Angeles County and Orange County. Copyright © 1999 - 2009, Memorial Health Services. All rights reserved.