Surgery
Pre-surgical Testing
If your surgeon determines that testing is required, an appointment with the pre-surgical department will be made at the time your procedure is scheduled. If you are unable to make an appointment at this time, you will need to contact the pre-surgical department at (978) 287-3166 two weeks prior to your scheduled surgery. This will help eliminate delays on the day of the surgery.
Pre-surgical testing takes approximately one to two hours and may include laboratory studies, x-rays, EKG (electrocardiogram) and breathing tests. You will meet with a nurse who will complete a health history and review your tests. Your surgery schedule and expected time of arrival at the hospital will also be discussed. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call (978) 287-3166.
You will also be seen by the anesthesia nurse, who will discuss the anesthesia to be used for your procedure. If you wish to speak to an anesthesiologist directly, this also can be accomplished during this visit. Test results, consultation reports and other data will be reviewed. Any concerns will be brought to the attention of the anesthesiologist. If further testing or additional consultation is necessary, you will be notified by telephone. Our goal is to identify and correct potential complicating factors so that your surgery will proceed as planned.
If you do not require a pre-testing appointment, a nurse will call you in advance to discuss your surgery. You will learn how to prepare for surgery and what time to arrive at the hospital.
