Frequently Asked Questions

Your surgeon or any member of the staff are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Some of our most frequently asked medical questions are answered below. You can send us a secure message via our patient portal if you have any additional questions.

No, but some patients may choose to come to Parkway Surgical Center before their surgery date to complete paperwork or make payments.

Please notify Parkway General Surgeons/Parkway Surgical Center at (360) 733-0070 as early as possible if you cannot make your scheduled appointment. Early notification can help us better accommodate you and other patients.

Please wear comfortable clothing. Button-down shirts or blouses are best. Wear comfortable shoes. Leave all jewelry at home, including body-piercing jewelry. If you wear contact lenses, you will probably have to remove them for the surgery, so consider bringing your glasses. If you have to wear your contacts, please bring contact solution and contacts case. Please do not wear any make-up as this can hide certain clinical signs. Please remove all body piercings.

You refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery in order to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents during your surgery. This complication is very serious and you need to strictly abide by our recommendations. This has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting after your surgery as some think.

We have very clear policies as to specific times before surgery when you must refrain from eating and/or drinking. These are all based on safety standards. Children have different fasting schedules than adults and any specific instructions will be reviewed with you by our nursing staff.

We generally request that you take your medication before leaving home. Blood pressure and diabetic medications will be individualized.  You should be contacted before your surgery, leaving no doubts in your mind as to which medications you should take.

People using inhalers must bring them on the day of surgery.

Contact your physician to get specific instructions regarding your medications.

Herbal medications may have harmful effects on the surgery. Many of these remedies may effect your clotting mechanism and interfere with the anesthetic agents. (The list of drugs and their side effects are too great for this site.) We generally request that you stop these medications two weeks before surgery. Please remember to mention these remedies when being asked about medication.

Any person(s) that you choose to support you before or after your procedure may accompany you.  One person will be allowed to be in your room with you before surgery and may sit with you after the surgery if you so choose.

When a patient is a child often two parents and/or guardians will accompany him or her to the Center. We will do our best to accommodate everyone.

We will individualize each patient’s care. Most patients walk into the operating room themselves. Therefore, preoperative medication is minimized.

Yes.  We must speak with each patient or patient’s guardian before surgery to gather and provide essential information.  You can also call Parkway Surgical Center directly with any questions.    Please make sure Parkway Surgical Center has an accurate phone number to assure contact on the day before and the day of surgery.

Yes. You can comfortably take a shower, bathe, brush your teeth, etc. Please do not use make up, hair spray, or perfumes.  Do not shave the surgical site.

If you are not feeling well, please contact your physician immediately. During normal business hours, you can call Parkway General Surgeons/Parkway Surgical Center for advice. There are some surgeries which are safer if delayed when you are sick. We need to know specific details to make the decision. Please do not delay in contacting us.

This will not affect most surgical procedures. There are a few specific gynecological procedures which may be impacted by menstruation. Call your surgeon if you have any questions.

It is very important for us to be aware of this possibility. Only essential surgery is done on pregnant patients. If there is any doubt please contact us immediately. Every female patient of childbearing years will have a pregnancy test or be asked to sign a waiver.

We require that all patients have a ride home and must have a responsible adult to assist you in your recovery for 24 hours.  Patients will not be allowed to drive, walk or take public transportation after a procedure. Arrange in advance for a responsible adult to pick you up at the center, drive you home and remain with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.  You cannot drive yourself or be left alone. You may take a taxi if you have your responsible adult with you.

When an anesthesiologist will be involved in your procedure sufficient time should be spent to answer any questions you may have prior to entering the procedure or operating room.   Please make sure we has an accurate phone number to assure contact.

We will make every effort to accommodate any special need you may have. We strongly encourage you to call Parkway Surgical Center in advance so that we can properly prepare to make you comfortable. Do not hesitate to call and suggest anything that may make your day easier.

Yes. Please bring any walkers, post-op crutches, hearing aids, etc.

  • Bring insurance identification cards, driver’s license, and estimated deposit (if applicable)
  • Make sure you have a ride home and someone to care for you at home for 24 hours
  • Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing
  • Leave all jewelry and valuables at home
  • Bring a case for eyeglasses or contacts

The management of your pain is of great importance to us. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission until you receive our postoperative call at home.

It is essential that we are able to assess your pain level during your stay.  The Pre-Op nurse will inform you of the scale we use in ranking pain.

Parkway General Surgeons
The office is located in the Parkway Medical Center - just across the street from Peacehealth St. Joseph Medical Center. The office entrance is on the south side of the building. Drive into the parking lot and proceed around to the back of the building to park. Enter the door in the back of the building and suite 204 is on the right hand side.