The day of surgery can be an anxious time for some people, but knowing what to expect can help ease that tension.

It is important that you arrive at the Surgical Center at your designated time. This will enable our staff to complete your registration, review your medical history and prepare you for surgery.

Check-In and Registration

The Surgical Center is on the ground floor of the Centre Medical Sciences Building at 1850 E. Park Ave., located next to the Mount Nittany Medical Center complex.

Get Directions

For Patients Who Will Be Receiving General Anesthesia

Pre-Operative Area

Before being brought into the operating area, you will be prepared in the pre-operative area.

• Family members, including children, are permitted to accompany the patient in the pre-operative area as the patient is prepared for surgery.
• You will be asked to change into a patient gown and given an identification band.
• A nurse will review your health history, allergies and medications with you.
• The anesthesiologist will see you.
• Preparation for surgery will begin (intravenous fluids, pre-op medications if indicated and preparation of the surgical area).
• Dentures, contact lenses, eyeglasses, rings, piercings, etc. will be removed at this time. Please leave valuables at home.

The Operating Area

You will be assisted to the operating room by your nurse and/or your anesthesiologist.

• The operating room is cool and brightly lit. Warm blankets are available for your comfort.
• You will be assisted onto a bed and a safety strap will be secured.
• A monitor for blood pressure will be placed on your arm. This will automatically inflate and deflate.
• Heart monitors will be placed on your chest.
• A clip will be placed on your finger to assess blood oxygen levels during surgery.
• For general anesthesia: You will be given some intravenous medication to help you relax. Oxygen will be given by mask at this time. You will fall asleep and surgery will proceed.
• For local anesthesia with sedation: You will be given some intravenous medication to help you relax and sleep. The surgeon will then anesthetize the surgical area so you will not feel pain and continue with the procedure.

The Recovery Room (Phase 1)

After your surgery is complete, you will be moved to the recovery room.

• You will be in the recovery area until you are fully awake.
• Monitors for heart rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen levels are used in the recovery room for patient assessment.
• Oxygen by mask or tube may be given to help you wake up more easily.
• You may experience a scratchy or dry throat.
• You will be asked frequently to breathe deeply and cough.
• If needed, pain medication will be given.
• Medication for nausea may be given.
• When you are fully awake, you will be transferred to our discharge area (phase 2).

Discharge (Phase 2)

You will be transferred from the bed to a lounge chair and assisted in dressing for discharge.

• We will offer some clear liquids and, if desired, crackers.
• Your discharge instructions will be reviewed with you and your responsible adult. A copy of the instructions will be provided for you to take home.
• Prescriptions may be given at this time.
• Any intravenous medications will be discontinued just prior to discharge.
• Total pain relief may not be possible, and nausea may persist at discharge.
• You are responsible for getting your prescriptions filled at the pharmacy of your choice.

For Patients Who Will NOT Be Receiving General Anesthesia

Patients requiring local anesthesia (as opposed to general anesthesia) have no dietary restrictions unless specifically prescribed by your surgeon. You may also be able to drive yourself to and from the Surgical Center. Please consult with your surgeon to confirm this before arriving for your appointment.

While some outpatient surgery can be performed at your physician's office under local anesthesia, he or she has likely chosen to perform your procedure in one of our sterile operating rooms for the benefit of having specialty equipment and operating room lighting.