One of our preoperative nurses will contact you by telephone. This will happen one or two days prior to your scheduled procedure. We will confirm your arrival time, provide directions to the Surgery Center of Anchorage and answer any questions you have at the time. We will confirm we have a completed health questionnaire on file or will obtain this information from you and discuss any existing health issues.

Feel free to contact the preoperative nurse at any time prior to your scheduled procedure at (907) 563-1800.

Please note: If you notice a change in your health (cough, cold, etc.) it is very important to notify your physician and the Surgery Center of Anchorage before your scheduled surgery date.

24 Hours Before Your Procedure:

For safety reasons, it is important to limit the intake of food and fluids before anesthesia and surgery.

  • Before MIDNIGHT the night before your procedure: EAT A LIGHT DINNER, refrain from alcohol and drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids.

  • After MIDNIGHT the night before your procedure: DON'T EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING, including water.

If you have questions regarding whether or not to take your regular medications, please call us and speak to a preoperative nurse BEFORE taking any medication.

INFANTS and CHILDREN may have formula or food until midnight. They may also have formula until 6 hours before the time of surgery. Children who are breast-fed may continue to do so until 4 hours before the time of surgery. All infants and children may have clear fluids (water, Pedialyte, clear fruit juices and sodas only) until 2 hours before the scheduled time of arrival.

PATIENTS with a HISTORY of heartburn, esophageal reflux, hiatal hernia, gastro paresis or similar conditions that impair gastric emptying should have no solid food after midnight. Patients, parents, and family members should be very careful to read, understand and follow these guidelines. Doing so helps to ensure the comfort and safety of all patients.

During anesthesia, the presence of food or liquid in the stomach may lead to potentially life threatening pneumonia should the contents enter into your lungs.

PREOPERATIVE EATING AND DRINKING RULES ARE IMPERATIVE FOR YOUR SAFETY. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE RULES MAY RESULT IN YOUR PROCEDURE BEING CANCELLED AND RESCHEDULED.