Dr. Bamberger will provide an explanation of the type of operation, technique to be used, and reason or reasons why it should be performed at this time. If at all possible, he will provide you with pictures and drawings to increase your understanding of our surgical plan. Feel free to share his information with your family members to help them understand the procedure.
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Make sure you understand the goal of your surgery. You should know whether the goal is to cure your condition, prolong life, or relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
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Before proceeding with your surgery, you should understand the expected or possible benefits of doing the procedure.
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Surgery does involve risks and side effects. Generally, the more invasive or complicated the surgery, the greater the risk of side effects. At the time of your surgical consult, we will detail the risks of your specific surgery.
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We will be happy to discuss available alternatives to surgery. Sometimes there are non-surgical or medical treatments available. However, if we are recommending the surgery, obviously we believe it is the best alternative available to you at this time.
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There are several types of anesthesia options including local, regional, and general anesthesia. Regional and general anesthesia are administered by a licensed Anesthesiologist who is a physician specializing in this procedure. You will meet with your Anesthesiologist prior to your surgery. They will ask you many questions to select the correct method to properly sedate you for surgery. During your consult, the Anesthesiologist will go over the specific guidelines and risks for the anesthesia planned for your procedure.
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You will present to the Surgery Center, in the D-building at the main Reading Hospital campus.
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You may eat before your pre-admission testing appointment.
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You will receive instructions at your pre-admission testing appointment regarding which medications to take on the day of your surgery. If there remains any questions regarding which medications to take, it is safest to bring the medicines with you on the day of your surgery and you will receive instructions after arriving.
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You will receive instructions at the time of your preadmission testing appointment regarding what you can eat or drink prior to presenting for your surgery. In general, you may have clear liquids up to 2 hours prior to presenting for surgery.
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It is recommended to increase your intake of fruit juices such as apple and prune juice. Milk-of-magnesia can be used if needed, but it is recommended that you try one half of a normal adult dose initially. It is also recommended that you walk as much as possible, as this will also help with your bowel movement regularity.
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You should bring the following to your initial office visit:
1. your insurance cards
2. a photo ID
3. completed paperwork which you will have received from our office
4. referral from your primary care physician (if required by your insurance)
5. if you do not speak english it is recommended that you bring someone with you that can help interpret
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Aetna,
Amerihealth Administrators,
Amerihealth Mercy,
Berkshire Health,
Capital Blue Cross,
Cigna,
Freedom Blue,
Geisinger/Geisinger Gold,
Health America/Health Assurance,
Highmark Blue Shield,
Independence Blue,
Keystone Central,
Keystone East,
Keystone Senior Blue,
Medical Assistance,
Medicare,
Medicare Railroad,
Personal Choice,
PEBTF,
PPHN,
PHCS,
Tricare,
United Healthcare (Alcon only),
Teamsters
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