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Thank you for choosing University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center for your health care and surgery needs. To help you prepare for your surgery, know what to expect and ensure a smooth recovery, please use the resources below.

  • Preparing for Surgery FAQ – frequently asked questions and answers, including how to pre-register for your procedure, what to expect with your insurance company and billing, details about pre-admission screening and testing and more
  • Anesthesia Information – types of anesthesia used during surgery and potential side effects
  • Managing Your Pain – learn how to identify, measure and treat your pain
  • Speak Up: Help Avoid Mistakes in Your Surgery – a brochure to help patients become more informed and involved in their health care, particularly with surgical procedures
  • Getting Here – directions to the medical center, campus and facility maps, and parking and transportation information

What to Expect During the Surgery Process

Visitors

Having visitors here to help you before and after your surgery is important to you and to us. Rest is also extremely important following any surgical procedure. We ask visitors to follow the visiting policies for each stage of your surgery to support you as you recover.

There is a maximum of two visitors when appropriate. Children under 12 are not allowed to visit in any of the surgery areas.

Pre-Op Care

The nurse will review your health history, then the surgeon and anesthesiologist will review any updated health information. While you are getting prepped for surgery, one visitor is allowed to be with you. After you have had an IV started and had any additional lab tests, if needed, the nurse will invite a second visitor to spend time with you before surgery.

During Surgery

While you are undergoing your procedures, visitors can wait in the visitor area. Nurses will be in touch with them if the surgery gets delayed or takes longer than expected.

Post-Op Recovery

After surgery, you will begin recovery in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). A nurse will be in contact with visitors to let them know your status and when they can visit. Depending on your recovery, two visitors may be able to see you for 15 minutes.

Discharge from the Recovery Room

During this time, you may have two visitors. If you are staying overnight, your visitors may see you for 30 minutes every two hours.

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