Your Surgery Preparing for your surgery As you prepare for surgery, you may have a lot of questions. You and your family are the most important members of your health care team. Click here to review Horizon’s COVID-19 visitation guidelines, or click here for more COVID-19 patient and visitor information. In the days leading up to your surgery, you’ll need to make travel arrangements for getting to and from the hospital, and think about what to pack if your surgery involves an overnight stay. We encourage you to ask questions and learn all that you can about your surgery and recovery. Preparing for… Your minor/day surgery A day surgery or outpatient surgery is a procedure where the patient reports for surgery early in the morning and is expected to return home that day for recovery. They involve typically minor surgeries that have a low risk of complications. Minor surgical procedures are those that can be done quickly, usually with only a local anaesthetic and without respiratory assistance. Examples of these procedures include removal of moles, drainage of cysts or abscesses, vasectomy, removal of hemorrhoids, etc. Preparing for… Your major general surgery Knowing what to expect and being involved in your care will make you better prepared and more comfortable to return home after a major surgery. Every day your progress will be closely followed by a team dedicated to giving you the best possible care. It is important to review this booklet with your support person and to bring it with you on the day of your surgery. This patient guide contains information about what you should do before, during, and after surgery so that your surgery will be successful. Specialized surgeries For further instructions based on the type of surgery, visit: Cardiac Surgery – for bypass grafting, heart valve repair, etc. Gastrointestinal Surgery – for problems with abdominal (stomach) organs Gynecology Surgery – for women-related issues such as hysterectomy or breast surgeries Hip and Knee Replacement Surgeries Neurosurgery – for brain stroke, brain injury, etc. Ophthalmology (Eye) Surgery Orthopedic (Bone) Surgery Plastic Surgery – reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy, nerve repair, facial trauma repair, etc. Thoracic Surgery – to treat structures of the chest area such as lungs Urology Surgery – for bladder, kidney, prostate and genitals repairs Vascular Surgery – for damaged blood vessels Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) A patient-centered approach to surgery that encourages YOU to be an active participant in your surgical journey Your Hospital Stay Information to help you be prepared for hospital stay Going Home Practical tips to ensure your move from hospital to home goes as smoothly as possible Giving Birth Advice and tips from our Women and Children’s Health teams to plan the arrival of your family’s newest member