Have questions?

Phone: 203-374-1515
Fax: 203-374-4702
Billing Department: 203-916-4750

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot make my appointment?
Please notify the surgeon and the Surgery Center of Fairfield County at 203-374-1515 as early as possible if you cannot make your scheduled appointment. Early notification can help us better accommodate you and other patients.

What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothing. Button-down shirts or blouses are best. Wear comfortable shoes. Leave all jewelry at home, including body-piercing jewelry. Please leave your contact lenses at home, wear your glasses. If you have to wear your contacts, please bring contact solution and contacts case. Please do not wear any make-up as this can hide certain clinical signs. Please remove all body piercings.

Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery?
You refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery in order to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents during your surgery. This complication is very serious and you need to strictly abide by our recommendations.

We have very clear policies as to specific times before surgery when you must refrain from eating and/or drinking. These are all based on safety standards.

Children have different fasting schedules than adults – so please check in the Children and Special Needs Adults section.

Should I take my usual daily medication?
We generally request that you take your medication before leaving home. Diabetic medications will be individualized. We will usually hold diabetic medicines and manage your sugar at the Center. You should be contacted before your surgery leaving no doubts in your mind as to which medications you should take. Please bring a list of all your medications with you.

People using inhalers must bring them to the Center on the day of surgery.

Some medications will be stopped for the surgery, particularly diabetes medication and blood thinners. You should bring these medications with you the day of surgery. Please call us with any questions you may have.

May I continue my herbal medications?
Herbal medications may have harmful effects on the surgery. Many of these remedies may effect your clotting mechanism and interfere with the anesthetic agents. The list of drugs and their side effects are too great for this site. We generally request that you stop these medications two weeks before surgery. Please remember to mention these remedies when being asked about medication.

Who may accompany me?
You are welcome to bring one person with you to the Center. That person will be allowed  to stay with you before surgery and may sit with you after the surgery, if you so choose.

When a patient is a child often two parents and/or guardians will accompany him or her to the Center.

Please refrain from bringing young children to the Center as guests.

Will I receive sedation before going into the operating room?
We will individualize each patient’s care.

Will I be contacted before my surgery?
Yes. We call each patient before the surgery to gather information and answer any of your questions. Preoperative instructions will be given by the nurse who calls you.

Should I bathe and wash my hair before leaving home?
Yes. You can take a shower, bathe, brush your teeth, etc. Please do not use make up, hair spray, nail polish or toiletries. These may interfere with the anesthesia monitoring and possibly hide clinical signs from the anesthesiologist.

What should I do if I am not feeling well?
If you are not feeling well, please contact your surgeon immediately. There are some surgeries which are safer if delayed when you are sick. We need to know specific details to make the decision. Please do not delay in contacting your surgeon.

What should I do if I believe that I am pregnant?
It is very important for us to be aware of this possibility. Only essential surgery is done on pregnant patients. If there is any doubt please contact us immediately.

May I drive home?
Any patient receiving anesthesia should not drive until the next day. A patient receiving sedation for a procedure needs a ride home. The few patients who have procedures performed under local anesthesia alone could possibly drive home.

We would strongly recommend that all patients have a ride home and will be received by a responsible adult when they arrive home. Patients will not be allowed to drive, walk or take public transportation after sedation or anesthesia. Please make the appropriate arrangements.

May I speak to my anesthesiologist before the surgery?
All patients will be seen by the anesthesiologist on the day of surgery prior to entering the operating room. Sufficient time should be spent to answer any questions you may have. If you need to speak to the anesthesiologist before the day of surgery, you are welcome to call the Center and we will arrange for you speak with an anesthesiologist. We can also arrange a preoperative interview if you desire.

What if I have special needs?
We will make every effort to accommodate any special need you may have. We strongly encourage you to call the Surgery Center in advance so that we can properly prepare to make you comfortable. Do not hesitate to call and suggest anything that may make your day easier.

Should I bring my special needs equipment?
Yes. Please bring any walkers, post-op crutches, hearing aids, etc.

What must I bring with me on the day of surgery?

    • Bring case for eyeglasses
    • Bring insurance identification cards, driver’s license, copayments
    • Make sure you have a ride home and someone to care for you at home
    • Bring a favorite bottle or “sippy cup” for your child
    • Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing
    • Leave all jewelry and valuables at home

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