Patient Care Services

Having Surgery?

If you are scheduled to have surgery at Pinnacle Hospital, we look forward to serving you. We hope the following information will help you prepare in advance for your surgery. Our goal is to make your surgery and stay with us, whether just a few hours or a few days, as comfortable and convenient as possible.

We advise patients to print this helpful information, review it and share this information with your family or friends who will be accompanying you to the hospital. Your physician will likely provide information for you to review as well. Please discuss specific details about your surgery with your doctor.

Once your surgery and recovery are completed, you will need to be driven home by an adult. You will not be allowed to drive. It is also recommended that you arrange for an adult to stay with you until the day after your surgery.

If you have any questions about your surgery schedule or any issues involving your upcoming stay at Pinnacle Hospital, please call (219) 756-2100.

Pre-Admission Information
Prior to any surgery, pre-admission information must be completed. These forms can usually be completed in your physician’s office. When filling out the forms, it is suggested you have your insurance information, recent medical information, and a list of medications your are taking and allergies. This paperwork will then be forwarded to the surgery department.

Pre-Admission Testing
Many patients are required to come to the hospital in advance of their procedure in preparation for their surgery. You doctor or a member of the Pinnacle staff will contact you regarding any pre-admission testing that needs to take place.

The Day Before Your Surgery
Your physician will provide you with specific information you will need to follow the day and evening before your surgery. The following are basic instructions for any surgical patient. It is extremely important that you follow your doctor’s specific instructions and recommendations.

Please do not eat or drink anything after 10 p.m. the night before your surgery
Discuss with your surgeon whether or not you should take any required medication before your surgery
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for 24 hours before your surgery

The Day of Your Surgery
Patients are advised to arrive at the hospital at least 90 minutes prior to their scheduled surgery. Those needing special assistance should be sure to contact the hospital to make those arrangements before coming to the hospital. Your first stop at the hospital should be at the front desk. A member of the Pinnacle staff will direct you from there.

Surgical Prep
After you have changed into a surgical gown, a staff member will go over your procedure and answer any questions you may have. Once you are moved into an operating room, an intravenous line will be started on your arm to administer fluids or medications.

Surgery
Once in the surgical suite, the nurse, physician, anesthesiologist and any support staff will verify the procedure to be performed and the anesthesia will be administered. The length of your surgery will vary depending on the procedure. Please discuss any question about your surgery with your physician or surgeon.

Post Op Care and Instructions
Once your surgery is completed, you will be taken to recovery, where you will be monitored by specially trained nurses. If you are having outpatient surgery, once you have fully awakened from the effects of anesthesia, you will be moved to a recovery area, where a family member or visitor will be allowed to stay with you. If you are having inpatient surgery, following your recovery, you will be taken to your room where family members or visitors can visit you.