Shady Grove Fertility’s clinical educator, Karen Calabrese, R.N. and Elizabeth Zapp, R.N., review some of the most common questions asked about our our outpatient surgery center.
Patients undergoing IVF treatment and other procedures will visit one of our Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC) at some point in their journey. The ASC is an outpatient facility for minor surgical procedures, such as egg retrievals.
While, the thought of undergoing a procedure can be overwhelming for some, Shady Grove Fertility is continually enhancing not only technology but the comfort of our surgical centers. Our facilities are accredited by rigid guidelines disseminated by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Only facilities that promote patient safety and quality care can pass the criteria to achieve these accreditations.
Where are your IVF Centers located?
What procedures do you perform at your Ambulatory Surgery Centers?
At Shady Grove Fertility we perform several types of procedures, including:
- Egg Retrievals
- Hysteroscopy
- Plypectomy
- Fluid Aspirations
- Some Male Surgical Procedures
Preparing for My Surgical Procedure:
| What to bring? ✔ Photo ID For your safety, Shady Grove Fertility requires that all patients provide photo identification prior to undergoing any surgical procedure within our facilities. ✔ A Responsible Adult It is our responsibility to insure that you get home safely after your procedure, post- anesthesia. Therefore, you must have a responsible adult, over the age of 18, with whom you have a relationship, accompany you to this surgical appointment. They must stay at the center during your procedure, and be available to take you home after you are discharged. If both you and your partner are having procedures on the same day, we require a 3rd party be available to drive the couple home. ✔ Comfortable Clothing |
What NOT to bring? ✘ Children Children are not allowed in the Ambulatory Surgery Center. Please arrange for childcare prior to arrival. Unfortunately, children cannot be brought with you to your surgical procedure at any time or under any circumstances. ✘ Jewelry ✘ Perfume ✘ Makeup – Please refrain from wearing perfume or makeup on your procedure day. ✘ Contact Lenses |
Diet
During many of procedures, anesthesia may be used. For your safety, it is important to follow the guidelines of what may be eaten before a procedure.
7+ hours prior to your procedure you may consume:
- Food
- Gum and mints
- Cough drops or candies
4 to 7 hours prior to your procedure, you may consume:
- Water
Between 4 hours of your procedure, you may consume:
- Nothing
If you have a specific medical condition or special situation, please discuss with your nurse before this time frame.
Semen Collection
For most patients arriving to the ASC for their egg retrieval, a semen sample will be required by the embryology team in order to fertilize the egg(s) after your procedure. Male partners are encouraged to collect their sample at home prior to arriving for the retrieval. Once you arrive, please inform the reception desk staff that you have your sample so they can notify the Embryology Team. If you are traveling more than one and a half hours to the ASC, you may collect a sample in our offices after you arrive.
Arrival and Departure for Surgical Procedures
Patients coming in for an egg retrieval and other procedures, should arrive 90 minutes before your scheduled procedure, or as instructed by your nurse. After checking in at the Reception Desk, the ASC team will bring you and your partner back to the surgical area. Your nurse will check your photo ID, review your recent food and beverage consumption and have you change into a surgical gown. Next, you will meet your Nurse Anesthetist, who will start an IV (intravenous) in your arm for medication administration. The Anesthetist will review your medical history before beginning your sedation medication. During your procedure, your partner or accompanying adult will wait in the Reception Area. Most of the actual surgical procedures are completed within 30 minutes. Most of our patients take about 30 minutes to recover before they return home. We find that our patients recover best when they are in a familiar, comfortable place usually in their home. From start to finish, patients should expect to be at the ASC for 2½ to 3 hours.
After Your Egg Retrieval (Post-Procedure Expectations)
Patients may experience a range of symptoms after an egg retrieval or other procedure. Some of the most common are:
- Nausea – Some women feel somewhat nauseous after anesthesia. When you return home, eating saltine crackers and drinking ginger-ale will help alleviate this feeling.
- Discomfort – It’s not unusual to have some discomfort upon discharge. Fill any prescription pain medication you receive, and take as instructed and needed.
Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) is not recommended. You may take regular or extra-strength Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for discomfort instead. - Dizziness – Anesthesia and pain medication may make you feel dizzy and unsteady. Do not plan to drive or operate machinery after your procedure. Enjoy a quiet day at home. It is optimal to have someone with you for the first 24 hours after your procedure.
- Warning Signs – Patients experiencing fever, severe pain, or significant bleeding following these procedures should contact their nurse or after-hours emergency Answering Service at 1-800-239-5613.
Before each patient receives anesthesia, they will receive specific verbal as well as written instructions for care after the procedure. Shady Grove Fertility also places a phone call to follow-up with each patient the day after their surgical procedure. Our nurse will answer any questions you might have.
If you have questions or concerns after your egg retrieval or other procedure, please contact your primary nurse. On weekends, holidays or evenings: 1-800-239-5613.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment at Shady Grove Fertility, please contact our New Patient Center at 1-877-971-7755 or click here to complete this brief online form.
