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When you arrive at United's Surgical Care Center

It is important that you arrive at the Surgical Care Center at the time you were given by your doctor.

The Surgical Care Center is on the second floor of United Hospital.

• Enter the hospital through the main entrance at 333 North Smith Avenue. Stop at the registration desk on the first floor.
• Go through the lobby, turn right and take the elevators to the second floor.
• When you get off the elevators, turn right in the hallway and go straight ahead to the Surgical Information Center. Someone from the Surgical Care Center staff will greet you.

Parking

Parking is available in any of the hospital parking ramps.

You can pick up discount parking vouchers at the surgical guest lounge. Discount vouchers can be used for valet parking. The valet parking fee is $4 for discount vouchers.

Consent for surgery

You are required to sign a consent form for your surgery and your anesthesia.

Patients younger than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who will be responsible for signing the consent form.

Preop area

You will be brought to the preop area, where your records will be reviewed, and your temperature, pulse and blood pressure checked.

You will meet your surgeon, your anesthesiologist and other surgical staff members. Any intravenous (IV) fluids necessary for your surgery may be started at this time.

Family waiting room

While you are in surgery, family or friends may wait in the surgical guest lounge, which is located on the second floor near the preop area.

Your surgeon will meet them there after your surgery.

Postop area

After your surgery is completed, you will be moved to an area where you can recover from the anesthesia. A registered nurse will care for you as the effects of the anesthesia wear off.

• You may feel some pain and nausea after surgery. Your nurse is at your bedside to help you.
• You may not remember many of the events on the day of surgery due to the medications administered, but don't be alarmed if you experience this.
• When appropriate, you will be moved to a room where your family can be with you for the remainder of your recovery.

Discharge

Your stay in the hospital depends on the procedure performed and your surgeon's instructions.

When you are ready to leave the hospital, a nurse will talk with you and give you a written summary of your surgeon's instructions about rest, diet and medications to be taken on the days following your surgery.

Follow-up

A nurse from United Hospital will attempt to call you within 24 hours of your discharge to check on your recovery.

Please call your surgeon if you develop any unexpected symptoms in the days following your discharge.

United Hospital
333 North Smith Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55102
651-241-8000
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