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Before Surgery

Preparation for certain procedures is extremely important to reduce the risk of complication s during the procedure, as well as to improve your comfort level and recovery time. If you have a question about your preparation, please call your physician office at 716-844-5000.

Health Care Proxy or Living Will

A Health Care Proxy or Living Will is a statement that outlines the medical treatment that a patient requests and the name of the person they trust to make sound health care decisions for them in case they are unable to speak for themselves. If a patient has one, they should bring it with them. If you do not have a Health Care Proxy or Living Will, you can download the forms from the NYS Department of Health website, fill it out and bring it with you to your procedure.

Medication

Discontinuing medication is determined by the type of procedure you are having.

Routine heart, breathing or blood pressure medications should be taken as prescribed with a small sip of water before your procedure. Be sure to tell your procedure which medications you have taken when evaluated. Medications such as insulin and inhalers can also be used.

Please refer to the paperwork given to you by your physician’s office.

Pregnancy

Notify your procedure nurse immediately if you suspect you are pregnant.

Changes in Your Health

Report any changes in your health to your procedure nurse even minor changes such as a persistent cough, cold or fever.

Day of Procedure

Instructions

It is normal to feel anxious before a procedure. Keep in mind that our team our team of experts have performed these procedures many times. Feel free to ask any questions, and take comfort in knowing that you’re safe, successful procedure is our highest priority. We care about your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

If at any time, you have a concern, please make the nurse aware of your concerns.

Follow your day-of-procedure preparation instructions described below carefully:

Avoid Complications

  • Take your medications with a small sip of water if your doctor has instructed you to do so.
  • Inform your nurse about the medications you have taken.

Valuables, Clothing, and Personal Hygiene

  • Bathe or shower the morning of the surgery.
  • Wear loose-fitting, casual clothing and shoes.
  • Leave valuables at home, including personal computers, jewelry, watches, cell phones, money, etc.
  • Prior to your procedure, a bag will be provided to you to place your personal items in. These items will be kept with you at all times.

Arrival at the Surgery Center

  • Arrival times will be based on the type of procedure you are having.
  • Remember to bring your health insurance card, photo identification and a method of payment if you have a copay.
  • A receptionist will greet you upon your arrival to review demographic information, obtain signatures on appropriate forms and collect a co-payment, if applicable.
  • It is important for you to arrive on time.

What to Expect

  • Once you’re registered by a receptionist, you will be provided with an ID bracelet to wear until you go home, and asked to take a seat in our waiting room.
  • A nurse will meet with you before your procedure to explain what will happen. You will have another opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
  • Your medical history will be taken and your vital signs will be recorded.

Types of Anesthesia We Provide

Local Anesthesia: Affects only the area involved in the procedure

Your Procedure Room

Procedures take place in a procedure room where a brightly lit, temperature-controlled and sterile environment provides the safest place for your procedure. Your healthcare team is led by an expert proceduralist and includes nurses, surgical technologists, and radiologic technologist.

What to Expect

  • The healthcare team will help you find a comfortable resting position. Please inform the nurses if you have back problems or difficulty lying on your back, so we can take special care in positioning you for your procedure.
  • The room temperature is kept low to keep equipment at optimal performance, ensure a sterile environment and for the comfort of the procedural team. You may have a warm blanket if you need it.
  • Family members are not allowed in the procedure room for safety and sterility reasons.

Your Family

Our waiting room offers you and your loved ones a calm, comfortable, family-oriented environment during your stay.

We want you and your family to be as relaxed as possible during the often stressful waiting period before and after a procedure. Don’t hesitate to ask us questions at any time.

Going Home

Before Discharge

Before you can be discharged you must meet certain criteria:

  • Your blood pressure and pulse are stable.
  • You are NOT experiencing any nausea or vomiting.
  • You are reasonably comfortable and do not have excessive pain.
  • You are able to move around without too much assistance.

When You Are Ready To Be Discharged

You will be discharged after you meet all the medical criteria. The nurse will review your medication and the doctor’s discharge instructions with you to make sure you understand what you need to do at home.

A nurse will escort you to an exit in the main waiting area when you leave.

Care at Home

Be sure to follow the post-procedure instructions you are provided.

Contact your urologist if:

  • You have a fever over 101° F.
  • Your incision becomes red, swollen, painful, or has a foul odor.
  • You have increased, excessive, or unexpected bleeding.
  • You have a problem urinating.

Patient Forms

Kaleida Health Notices

Authorizations Individual

Health Care Proxy

Appointing a Health Care Agent in New York State

The New York Health Care Proxy Law allows an individual to appoint someone, for example, a family member or close friend, to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they lose the ability to make decisions themselves. Appointing a healthcare agent ensures that healthcare providers follow the patient’s wishes. The agent can also decide how wishes apply as an individual’s medical condition changes. Hospitals, doctors and other healthcare providers must follow the agent's decisions as if they were the patient’s. The healthcare agent may be given as little or as much authority as the patient deems appropriate. The Health Proxy form can also be used to document a person’s wishes or instructions regarding organ and/or tissue donation.

The New York Health Care Proxy Law is available in Abobe Acrobat format in following languages:

Health Care Proxy Information