Preparing for Surgery

Any required pre‑operative testing is determined by your surgeon or anesthesia provider based on your procedure and medical history. This may include lab work, imaging, or other evaluations.

Yes. You may receive multiple calls prior to surgery, including a pre‑operative health assessment, financial information, and in some cases, a call from the anesthesia team. These calls help ensure your safety and preparedness.

Please bring a photo ID, insurance cards, a list of your current medications, and any required payment such as a co‑pay or deductible. If instructed, bring medications you take daily.

Yes. You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you after surgery. Patients are not permitted to drive or use ride‑share services (uber, lift, SEAT transportation, taxi, etc.) following anesthesia.

Your physician or a pre-operative nurse will inform you of eating and drinking restrictions prior to surgery. It is very important that you follow the provided instructions. If you do not, your surgery may be delayed or cancelled.

Shower the night before and the morning of surgery using antibacterial soap. Rinse thoroughly and avoid lotions, powders, or shaving the surgical area unless directed by your provider.

Please notify your surgeon, anesthesiologist, or nurse immediately. Certain medications and procedures may affect pregnancy and require special planning.

If you have an infection, fever or noticeable change in your health since your last office visit, please inform your care team BEFORE you arrive at CARTI Surgery Center. If you are sick on the day of your procedure, please call 501.906.4441 to cancel your scheduled appointment. Your care team will reschedule your procedure as appropriate.

After check‑in, our team will verify your information and prepare you for surgery. A nurse will complete a health assessment, and your anesthesia provider will review your care plan.

Wear comfortable, loose‑fitting clothing. Avoid jewelry, makeup, nail polish, contact lenses, and valuables. Leave all valuables at home.

Yes. Your surgeon will meet with you to confirm the procedure and answer any final questions.

Patients are prepped in pre-op without visitors. Once prepped, ONE (1) designated support person may be escorted back to visit. If assistance is needed for changing or mobility, please inform our CARTI Surgery Center team.

No. Smoking is strongly discouraged as it can interfere with anesthesia and healing.

Options may include local anesthesia, monitored anesthesia care, regional anesthesia, or general anesthesia. Your anesthesia provider will recommend the safest option for your procedure.

Depending on the procedure, there may be options. Your anesthesia provider will discuss these with you and answer questions.

Fasting reduces the risk of aspiration during anesthesia, which can be dangerous. Please follow your care team’s eating and drinking instructions carefully.

You’ll recover in a monitored area where our team ensures you are stable and comfortable before discharge.

If needed, arrangements may be made to provide additional care at CARTI Surgery Center, or for hospital transfer, if necessary.

Pain will be evaluated and treated with appropriate medications. Please discuss concerns with your care team.

Once you are awake and stable, ONE (1) designated support person may be escorted to recovery, as permitted. Visitor changes in the recovery area are limited to promote patient privacy and recovery.

You may receive separate bills for the surgery center, surgeon, anesthesia services, as well as other ancillary services as needed such as lab and/or pathology. Our billing team is available to help answer questions.

Follow the contact information provided in your discharge instructions. For emergencies, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.