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- Why does my doctor prefer to do my surgery at an Ambulatory Surgery Center instead of a hospital?
Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC) provide a safe, caring and convenient environment that is less stressful than a large hospital. Clinical staff at the Stamford ASC are highly trained specialists in orthopedic surgery, unlike many hospital surgical clinicians who assist in a broad range of procedures beyond orthopedics. For patients who do not need an overnight hospital stay, the ASC provides the highest quality care and scheduling flexibility at a cost to you that is usually less than traditional hospital-based care.
- Is an ASC as safe as a hospital?
Stamford ASC has passed a series of rigorous health and safety inspections, which qualify it for accreditation by the Association of Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), and licensing by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH).
- Who will be in the operating room when I am having the surgery done?
There are many people behind the scenes to ensure you have the safest, compassionate care during all phases of your procedure. Each surgery is unique to each patient, but in general terms, surgical patients are attended to by their surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists and OR technicians.
- What kinds of anesthesia are there?
There are four types of anesthesia: general, regional, monitored anesthesia care (MAC), and local anesthesia.
- General Anesthesia affects your entire body and may be given intravenously or as an inhaled gas.
- Regional Anesthesia only affects a section of your body, blocking sensation and making it numb. These include spinal and epidural anesthesia
- Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) is medication given to make you drowsy and to relieve pain. This is often used to supplement local anesthesia.
- Local Anesthesia is medication directed only to the location of surgery. It is usually injected, and you may remain awake or be sedated. This type of anesthesia is most often used used for smaller procedures.
- How soon can I go home after my procedure?
Length of stay is determined by a number of factors including your particular procedure and recovery requirements and tend to vary due to the length of each surgery. A rule of thumb is that you can usually expect longer recovery times for longer procedures and shorter recovery times for shorter procedures. The average recovery time is between one and two hours.
- Will I be able to drive home?
You will not be permitted to drive home. You must make arrangements for someone to drive you and you may not take public transportation home. Patients who have been given local anesthesia may drive home at their surgeon’s discretion.
- Is there a place for my friend or family member to get something to eat while they wait?
There is a café located in the First Stamford Place office park at Building 100. A deli/cafeteria offers a varied menu of hot foods, salads and sandwiches. The hours of operation are from 6:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
- Who do I call with pre- or post-surgical questions or concerns?
Specific questions or concerns related to your procedure or problems afterward should be discussed with your surgeon or ONS clinical staff.
