The pages accessible in English concern access to services and security in regard with health and social services in accordance with the French language charter. The Charter of the French language and its regulations govern the consultation of English-language content. 

Preparing for Surgery

For most types of surgeries, you will first meet with a nurse from our pre-operative clinic. The doctor will work with you to assess your health, perform certain tests and give you information about your surgery. 

A few days before your surgery, the department will call you to let you know the date and time of your surgery. 

If, in the days and hours leading up to your surgery, your health condition undergoes certain changes: flu, cough, fever, cold, sore throat, urinary tract infection, skin abscess, delayed menstruation that may indicate pregnancy, etc., please let us know by calling the hospital and asking for admission to the operating room. 

In order to make your stay in the hospital easier, we recommend that you read the following tips.

 

Day Surgery

The day before your surgery 

  • Proceed the preparation requested by your doctor or nurse if necessary; 
  • Since you must be fasting, do not eat or drink after midnight: do not take liquids, water, food, or cigarettes. 
  • Avoid coffee and alcohol. 
  • If you need to take medication, follow the instructions given to you. 
  • Take a bath or shower to prepare your skin.

Prepare a bag in which you will put: 

  • Your health and hospital insurance cards; 
  • A list of your medications, including over-the-counter medications and natural products; 
  • A dressing gown and slippers; 
  • Clothing adapted to your type of surgery and easy to put on; 
  • Protective containers for your dentures, glasses or contact lenses; 
  • Do not bring any jewellery or valuables. 

Plan your return home

  • Following general or local anesthesia, you must refrain from driving for 24 hours. Arrange for a companion who can drive you home.  
  • If you leave your vehicle in the hospital parking lot, plan for parking until you can pick up your vehicle. 
  • Provide support and accompaniment for meals, care and housekeeping. 
  • Promote rest and relaxation. 

On the day of your surgery 

  • Stay fasting. 
  • Take your medication as directed by your doctor or nurse. 
  • Do not wear makeup, false nails, nail polish (even clear nail polish) to allow your surgeon to monitor skin discoloration during the procedure. 
  • Remove jewelry, contact lenses, hair clips. 
  • Arrive at the hospital on an empty stomach and at the scheduled time accompanied by a family member or loved one. 

The person at the reception of the day surgery will greet you and direct you to the nurse who will complete the preparations for the operation and your medical record. Inform the nurse of any particulars or changes related to your state of health. 

A member of the nursing staff will pick you up and take you to the operating room. 

After the operation, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will be cared for until you leave.

 

Pain Management 

After surgery, you will be given pain medication to control the pain. Don't hesitate to report your pain to the nurse. It is important to be well relieved to promote your recovery. 

Leaving the hospital

You will be able to leave the hospital on the same day of your surgery, as soon as your condition is stable. The nurse will give you recommendations based on your state of health and your surgery.

Make sure you have: 

  • Your health insurance and hospital cards; 
  • Your doctor's prescriptions and recommendations; 
  • Your personal medications; 
  • Information about your next appointment with your doctor; 
  • The number of a medical resource to call in case of emergency; 
  • Information about your follow-up by the CLSC, if applicable. 

Convalescence

You will receive information to help you recover. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to talk to the nurse or surgeon. 

If your state of health requires it, you will be able to contact the CLSC's home support team to ensure you receive all the care and services you need.

 

Surgery with hospitalization  

The day before your surgery 

  • Prepare as directed by your doctor or nurse, if applicable. 
  • Since you must be fasting, do not eat or drink after midnight; Do not take liquids, water, food or cigarettes. 
  • Avoid coffee and alcohol. 
  • If you need to take medication, follow the instructions given to you. 
  • Take a bath or shower to prepare your skin. 
  • Prepare your recovery plan by providing support and accompaniment for meals, care and housekeeping. 
  • Cut back on activities that require too much effort. Promote rest and relaxation. 
  • Keep a positive attitude and discuss your fears with a family member or someone you trust. Give yourself a good night's sleep. 

Prepare a suitcase in which you will put:

  • Your health insurance and hospital cards; 
  • Your regular medications, in their original containers, including over-the-counter medications and natural products; 
  • Pyjamas, dressing gown and slippers; 
  • Clothing adapted to your type of surgery and easy to put on; 
  • Comfortable underwear; 
  • Protective containers for your dentures, glasses or contact lenses; 
  • Your toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, toilet soap, deodorant, razor, comb or hairbrush) 
  • Sanitary towel; 
  • Do not bring any jewellery or valuables. 

On the day of your surgery 

  • Stay fasting. 
  • Take your medication as directed by your doctor or nurse. 
  • Do not wear makeup, false nails, nail polish (even clear nail polish) to allow your surgeon to monitor skin discoloration during the procedure. 
  • Remove jewelry, contact lenses, hair clips. 

Arrive at the hospital on an empty stomach and at the scheduled time, accompanied by a family member or loved one, at the appointment centre located on the ground floor of the hospital. You will then be referred to the surgical unit. 

When you arrive at the surgical unit, inform the nurse of any particulars related to your medical condition. 

A nurse will complete your medical file, prepare for the operation and answer any questions you may have. A member of the nursing staff will pick you up and take you to the operating room. After the operation, you will be taken to your room where you will be cared for until you leave. 

Pain Management 

After surgery, you will be given pain medication to control the pain. Don't hesitate to report your pain to the nurse. It is important to be well relieved to promote your recovery.

Leaving the hospital 

You will be able to leave the hospital as soon as your condition allows it and your discharge is signed. A nurse will give you the usual recommendations according to your state of health and your surgery. 

Make sure you have: 

  • Your health insurance and hospital cards; 
  • Your doctor's prescriptions and recommendations; 
  • Your personal medications; 
  • Information about your next appointment with your doctor; 
  • The number of a medical resource to call in case of emergency; 
  • Information about your follow-up by the CLSC, if applicable; 
  • All your clothes and personal belongings. 

Convalescence 

You will receive information to help you recover. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to talk to the nurse or surgeon.

If your state of health requires it, you will be able to contact the CLSC's home support team to ensure you receive all the care and services you need.