Your Surgery Guide

The physicians and staff of the Greater Springfield Surgery Center welcome you to our facility. Please click on the below sections to view more information about the various states of surgery. If you have any questions, please call (413) 304-2171 to speak to a nurse.

  • If your surgeon sends you to your Primary Care Physician for a pre-operative physical exam you should arrange an appointment within 30 days of your surgery date.
    Based on your medical history  your doctor  may order preoperative tests, such as blood work, EKG, and/or other tests as necessary.

    A nurse from the surgery center will call you a week or two before surgery to obtain a health history, give you instructions, and to answer any questions or concerns.  Please advise the nurse if you have sleep apnea or a latex allergy.

    You are required to have a responsible adult drive you home and remain with you the first 24 hours after surgery. Your surgery will be cancelled if you do not have these  arrangements in place. You cannot drive, use public transportation or walk home. Your companion should anticipate remaining at the center throughout your stay.

    Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.   If you have been instructed to take medication, please take it with just a sip of water.

    You will receive a call with your arrival time one to two days before your scheduled surgery. The time is not available prior to that day.  It is important to keep the entire day available as we may not be able to accommodate a specific time request.

    Call your surgeon if there is any change in your physical condition before your surgery such as flu, fever, or injury to the operative area.

  • Checklist for the day of your surgery:

    • Leave all valuables, including jewelry and cash, at home.

    • Do not wear contact lenses on the day of your surgery. If you wear glasses, please bring a case for their safekeeping.

    • You should plan on spending 2 to 4  hours at the center after your arrival.

    • Please wear comfortable clothing and remove all jewelry before coming to the surgery center.

    • Please bring in your Photo I.D., Insurance Card, and a current list of Medications, so that we may update our records.

  • The average stay in recovery is 30 – 75 minutes depending on the type of surgery and your own personal recovery.

    After you have returned home, BE SURE TO REREAD THE DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS and follow your doctor’s orders regarding rest, medication and activity.

    It is not unusual to feel a little sleepy, lightheaded, or dizzy for several hours after surgery.

    Over-the-counter Dramamine can be helpful in minimizing post operative nausea and vomiting.  (If diabetic, notify your physician of prolonged nausea and vomiting.)

    A slightly elevated temperature can occur for a few days after surgery. If 101 degrees or greater, call your surgeon.

    If you have questions or problems after surgery, please contact your surgeon.  Please be sure to review the discharge instructions before calling your surgeon’s office.

    Do not drive a car, smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, operate machinery, or cook for 24 hours after surgery.

  • Item descriptionSurgery results in some post operative pain.  Pain management is an important component of your post operative care and often begins in the operating room  with the administration of pain medications by the anesthesiologist or your surgeon.

    In recovery and at home, pain medication is used to reduce pain to a tolerable level, usually to 5 and under on a scale of  0 – 10.
    Remember that pain medication takes 20 – 40 minutes before becoming effective.
    Pain medication should not be taken on an empty stomach.