Surgical Testing -- (314) 996-5826
Scheduling -- (314) 996-5827

Welcome to Missouri Baptist Department of Surgery.  Our goal is to provide excellent care in a warm atmosphere.

If you have specific questions about your procedure or if you develop a cold, fever or flu like symptoms in the 24 hours before your surgery, please contact your doctor directly.

Before Your Surgery

• Clear, open communication is the key to a smooth surgical procedure
• Prior to your surgery you will need to have your current insurance card
• You will be contacted to schedule an appointment at Missouri Baptist Surgical Testing, Suite 112, Building B
• At the time of your appointment, you will also be pre-registed for your surgery.  You will need to bring a vaild photo ID and insurance verification
• If you have not received a call within seven working days from your scheduled surgery, please call (314) 996-5827
• At your appointment, a nurse will ask you about
  • Any medications you may be taking, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements
  • Telephone numbers of your current physicians
• Bring your medications in their original labeled containers
• You may be required to have pre-operative testing based on your medical history or your surgeon’s orders seven to 10 days prior to your surgery (testing may include lab work, X-ray or EKG); if any of these tests were not performed at Missouri Baptist, please fax the results to (314) 996-5934 prior to your appointment. If we do not have the results, then we will have to repeat the test(s)
• If you are unable to come in for pre-op testing, you will need to preregister for surgery; call (314) 996-5050 with your current insurance information.
• You will also receive a call from one of our surgery nurses to help prepare you for surgery and anwser any questions you may have
• You may need to talk with someone from the Anesthesia Department to discuss your medical history
• Stop all aspirin products and anti-inflammatory medications 10 days prior to surgery, unless otherwise directed by your physician
• Stop all diet drugs or appetite suppressant medications 14 days prior to surgery

On the Day of Your Surgery

• Parking for surgery patients is available in muliple areas
• Surgery registration is on the second floor of the hospital

Do. . .

• Follow instructions given concerning taking your usual medicines on the day of surgery
• Leave all jewelry and valuables at home
• Leave luggage, crutches and other personal belongings in your car
• Bring a case for dentures or partials
• Bring a case for your contact lenses or glasses
• Have someone available to drive you home after your surgery
• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing
• Limit your number of visitors to two; they must be at least 10 years old
• Notify your doctor of any signs of a cold, upper respiratory infection or other symptoms
• Bring your insurance card(s), including Medicare and Medicaid and a photo ID

Do Not. . .

• Eat or drink anything after midnight prior to your surgery, including water, coffee, mints, juice and gum;if you eat or drink anythingat or after midnight, your surgery may be canceled or delayed
• Take any medications the day of surgery unless instructed to do so by your doctor or pre-admission nurse
• Plan to drive yourself home
• Plan to take a cab home unless an adult accompanies you
• Bring anything of value with you to the hospital
• Wear make-up

If You Are an Outpatient

• You will be reunited with your family in the Phase II Recovery area
• You may be discharged as soon as you meet our discharge criteria; your blood pressure is stable, you are able to walk, you are able to drink,and your pain is under control; this may be as soon as 30 minutes but is usually an hour or longer
• We recommend that you have a responsible adult with you for the first 24 hours after surgery
• You will not be allowed to drive yourself home, so please have someone available to drive you home; you'll want to make arrangements for going home long before you leave for the hospital; to ensureyour safety, we'll release you only when a relative or friend arrives to pick you up and see you home safely; taxicabs are unacceptable substitutes; if your driver does not plan to wait at the hospital during your surgery, please give your nurse a number where he or she can be reached

 If You Are Staying Overnight

• If your doctor requires that you stay overnight at the hospital, be sure to pack necessary toiletries, pajamas, a robe and slippers
• Again, leave valuables at home
• It is more convenient to leave your bag in the car until you have been admitted into the hospital; then, a family member or friend can deliver your bag directly to your room