For more information on our Outpatient Services, click here.

Cherokee Medical Center Surgical Services encompass all care prior, during and immediately following a patient’s surgery. The Surgical Services team is specially trained and certified to prepare patients for and assist physicians with surgery to ensure a safe and swift recovery. Both inpatient and outpatient surgeries are performed by Cherokee Medical Center Surgical Services Department.

Preparation for Surgery

• Refrain from eating or drinking anything after midnight before your surgery.
• Bring a list of your current medications (including vitamins & supplements). Do not take any medications, including insulin or oral diabetic medication unless otherwise instructed.
• Wear comfortable clothing.
• No more than two family members or patient visitors are permitted to accompany the patient to the pre-operative and postoperative areas.
• As a courtesy to fasting patients, we ask that family members/visitors refrain from bringing food into the facility.
• If you do not have a family member/visitor to drive you home, please bring the name and telephone number of the person we will be calling to pick you up.
• Leave all valuables at home.
• Bathe or shower prior to coming to the Surgery Center. This can minimize the chance of infection.
• Remove all makeup, hairpieces and jewelry.

Care of Children

We recognize that the presence of a parent or guardian can provide a great source of comfort. We encourage parents to stay with their child in the pre-operative area and in the recovery room. If desired, we can arrange for a tour of the center for you and your child prior to the day of surgery. Please call for an appointment.

• Bring your child in cotton pajamas (preferably short sleeved & two-pieced) or loose cotton clothing.
• Please leave other children at home so you may give your full attention to the child having surgery.

After Surgery

• You will receive discharge instructions from the recovery nurse which will be reviewed with you and your escort prior to leaving the surgery center.
• Remember that you cannot drive or be left alone after your surgery for 24 hours if you have received any sedation or pain medication, unless otherwise instructed.
• It is not unusual to feel drowsy and a little dizzy for several hours after anesthesia, so rest and allow healing to begin.
• Unless otherwise instructed, return to your normal diet by starting with liquids and progressing to a normal diet as tolerated.

For more information, call 256-927-5531.