Black Hills Surgical Hospital | 216 Anamaria Drive | Rapid City, South Dakota 57701
Phone: (605) 721-4700 | Toll Free: 1 (800) 818-1890 | Fax: (605) 721-4708

Read this informative brochure on preparing for your procedure.

A staff member at Black Hills Surgical Hospital will call you a few days before your surgery to confirm your procedure and surgery date.  If you have not received a call by 4 p.m. the day before your surgery, please contact us.

Occasionally, due to circumstances beyond our control, surgery may be delayed.  If this happens, we will keep you informed.

• The Day Before Your Surgery
• Notify Your Doctor or Healthcare Professional if...
• Parents and Guardians of Minors Should...
• The Morning Of Your Surgery
• When You Arrive For Your Surgery
• Following Your Surgery
• Request Special Amenities
  

The Day Before Your Surgery

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.  (The only exception is if you are directed to eat or drink by your doctor.)  Food in your stomach can cause serious complications during surgery.  Consequently, eating or drinking could cause your surgery to be canceled or postponed.

• Avoid alcohol and tobacco 24 hours prior to your surgery. 

• Remove nail polish before your surgery.

• Leave expensive jewelry and large amounts of money at home.

Notify Your Doctor or Healthcare Professional If…

• You are taking medication for high blood pressure, anticoagulant (blood thinning), diabetes or a nervous disorder.

• You develop a cold, fever, respiratory infection or other illness prior to surgery.

• Women should inform their surgeon if they think they may be pregnant.

Parents and Guardians of Minors Should…

• Be present with patient at arrival time to sign paperwork.

• Remain in the facility during their entire visit.

• Bring a copy of the guardianship papers is needed for the chart.

The Morning Of Your Surgery

• Bathe or shower the morning of your surgery, as we ask you do not use hair spray, body lotion or apply makeup (especially mascara or lipstick).  If you shampoo your hair, be sure it is dry. 

• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and shoes.  We will provide you with a gown, robe and slippers. 

• Plan to arrive promptly to allow adequate time for admission procedures. 

• Bring a storage case for glasses, contact lenses and/or a hearing aid. 

• If you take medication on a daily basis, remember to bring it in the original bottle.

• Bring medical information such as insurance forms, medical cards, payment and any pertinent test results. 

When You Arrive For Your Surgery

• Plan to arrive at the surgery center on time, as you need to fill out paperwork such as a surgical consent form.

• A member of the anesthesiology staff will visit with you to discuss the type of anesthesia you will be given. An adult member of your family or a friend may wait with you until your surgery begins.

Following Your Surgery

After surgery, your surgeon will inform you of what you need to eat and drink, your activity restrictions and medication instructions. Of course, if you have any questions regarding your postoperative recovery, you are encouraged to contact your surgeon. 

For 24 hours after your surgery, adhere to the following:

• Do not drive, sign important papers or make critical decisions.

• You must have a family member or friend drive you home after surgery. 

• Do not operate machinery, power tools or appliances.

• Do not drink alcoholic beverages.

Request Special Amenities