Surgical Navigation

What do I need to do to prepare for my surgery?

You must arrange for a responsible person to bring you to the hospital on the day of your surgery. That person will also need to receive your discharge instructions after your surgery and drive you home.
 
You should arrange for someone to stay with you for 24 hours after your surgery.
 
You must pre-register. If registration has not contacted you prior to your appointment, please call them at 207.973.8900 or 1.888.973.8900 between 7 am and 6 pm, Monday through Friday and Saturday 7 am to 2:30 pm.
   
Be ready to take a call from a nurse from Surgical Navigation. Make sure your phone numbers are up to date in our system! We will call you prior to your surgery to review your health history, confirm your time, review your pre-surgery instructions, and answer any questions you may have. Please have a list of your medications, including dosage and frequency, available during this call.
 

Helpful information as you prepare for your surgery

Your Surgery Experience Video
Preparing for your colonoscopy
Information on pain management
Pre-op shower instructions
Preparing for your C-section
        C Section - Enhanced recovery after surgery guide
Pressure ulcer prevention FAQs
Preventing surgical site infections
Total joint pre-op shower instructions
Herbal and dietary supplements and anesthesia

Colorectal - Enhanced recovery after surgery guide

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  • No alcoholic beverages for 24 hours before or after surgery.
  • No gum or candy after midnight the night before your surgery or the morning of your surgery.
  • No solid food after midnight the night before your surgery or the morning of your surgery.
  • You may drink apple juice, water, black coffee, and black tea until two hours before your surgery unless instructed otherwise by your physician or surgeon.

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  • No soup or solid food after midnight the night before surgery or the morning of surgery. However, small children scheduled in the afternoon may have dry toast or crackers until eight hours prior to surgery.
  • No candy or gum the night before or the morning of surgery. Infant formula or cow’s milk may be given up to six hours before surgery.
  • Breast milk may be consumed up to four hours before surgery.
  • Your child may drink apple juice, water, and Pedialyte until two hours before surgery.

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  • A list of your current medications. If you use an inhaler, please bring it with you. If you use a CPAP machine and will be an inpatient after your surgery, please bring it with you. Otherwise, please do not bring medications unless asked to do so by our staff.
  • Loose, comfortable clothes and minimal changes of clothing.
  • A case for your glasses, contact lenses, dentures, and/or hearing aids. You will not be able to wear them during surgery.
  • For children, consider bringing a stuffed toy, blanket, or iPad.
  • For adults, consider bringing small electronic devices.

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  • Remove all jewelry! Do not wear jewelry or body piercings including your wedding band.
  • Avoid using scented products (deodorant, skin cream, perfume/cologne). Ask the person accompanying you to also avoid using scented products.
  • Remove all nail polish.
  • Do not use dental adhesive.
  • Leave your valuables at home.

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If you are having surgery, go to Surgical Patient Reception – It is located on the third floor of Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, 489 State Street in Bangor.
  • Once you arrive at the hospital, you may park your vehicle in the Webber Parking Lot and catch a ride to the Main Entrance with our free Park and Ride valet service.
  • From the front door, proceed to the Penobscot Pavilion elevators in the main lobby. If you need assistance with directions or a wheelchair, please stop at the information desk just inside the Main Entrance.
  • Take the elevator to Level 3 and follow the signs to Surgical Patient Reception. Our receptionist will welcome you and check you in. If you have any questions the day of your procedure, please call the reception desk at 207-275-0939.

If you are having an endoscopic procedure, such as a colonoscopy or EGD, go to Northern Light Endoscopy - This is located on the third floor of the Kagan Parking Garage at 489 State Street in Bangor.



What else should I know about?
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, you are permitted to have ONE visitor accompany you to the hospital. That person must be 18 years or older, remain with you (or in the waiting room) for the duration of your visit, and must always keep a mask on (Northern Light Health will provide the mask). There is no eating in the waiting room. If you must east during your stay, you must go to the dining are on level 2.
  • We do everything possible to keep your appointment time, but we sometimes it is necessary to make last-minute changes to surgical schedule. Please make sure we have up to date contact information so we can keep you informed of any changes. Thank you for your help in ensuring a positive experience!
  • The Surgical Navigation Department is here to serve you as you prepare for surgery. Please call us if you have any questions.

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