Surgical Services

Inpatient Surgery

Having surgery doesn’t have to be a scary experience. At Indiana University Health La Porte Hospital, every member of our staff works hard to assure that you have a good experience. Knowing what to expect both before and after surgery can be a big help in easing any concerns you might have. The guide we have compiled here will give you tips about what you can do to prepare for your hospital admission and stay, plus information about what to do after you’ve returned home.

Pre-admission/Registration

To streamline your check-in process, we offer pre-registration. You simply come in a few days before your procedure to fill out insurance and release forms and have any tests done that your doctor has ordered for you. That way, all the appropriate information will already be compiled before you arrive for your surgery, and you will simply check in, get your identification wristband, and wait to be called for your scheduled procedure.

To make it even easier to pre-register, you can simply copy and print the forms below and fill them out at home; then bring them in or send them to us via mail, fax or e-mail, prior to your surgery.

When you arrive for your scheduled procedure, you will need to report to the main registration desk. If you have any "advance directives" - documents that dictate your wishes should you be unable to communicate them during your stay - you will be asked to provide them at that time.

What to bring

• A list of medications you are taking and the amount you take daily of each. Do not bring the medications with you.
• Eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, toiletries (such as shampoo and toothbrush, if staying overnight), robe, slippers, etc.
• Insurance information, emergency telephone number.
• A copy of any directions that were given to you in advance of your surgery.
• For maternity patients - infant car seat and clothing.

NOTE: Please do NOT bring items such as jewelry, credit cards, wallets, watches or significant amounts of cash. We cannot assume liability for such items and we urge you to leave all valuables at home. If you need to bring cash, checks or a credit card to make a deposit or co-payment, please have a family member take them home after you are admitted.

Preparing for your surgery/What to expect

Once you have checked in, you will be taken to a pre-operative area where you will be prepared for your procedure. This is when your medical physician/surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nurse will go over your upcoming procedure with you and answer any questions you may have.

Patient/Family Support Nurse

We value communication between our patients and their families. To facilitate communication, a patient/family support nurse is available to answer any questions or concerns you may have during your loved one’s surgical procedure.

During your visit, a patient/family support nurse will be available to keep you informed every step of the way and answer any questions you may have. The patient/family support nurse communicates with the surgical staff during the procedure and informs you of the progress.

Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon will come out and speak with you to let you know how the procedure went.

After your surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where your vital signs are monitored. When your condition is considered stable - usually only a short time after surgery - you will be taken to your assigned private room, where nurses and your physician will continue to monitor your recovery. With your doctor’s approval, a family member may be able to sit with you in recovery.

Post-operative questions

Your doctor will review your procedure with you before you leave the hospital. You will also get specific instructions about recovering from your surgery after you get home. However, it’s not uncommon for questions to arise.

If you have questions after you are released from the hospital, you may call our helpline for professional advice: 219.326.2459 or 219.872.3331, ext. 2459.