General Surgery

Contact Information

To schedule an appointment or learn more about our services, call us today!

Compass Memorial Healthcare
300 West May Street; Marengo, IA 52301
Phone: 319-741-6789

Patient Surgery Education and Preparation

Surgery, whether minor or major, can feel overwhelming. But with the right preparation, you can reduce anxiety, support a smooth recovery, and feel more confident every step of the way. Understanding what to expect before, during, and after your procedure is key to a safe and positive surgical experience.

1. Understand the Procedure

   Start by making sure you clearly understand the surgery you’ll be having. Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety, help you ask informed questions, and make you feel more prepared.

   • Ask Questions: Talk with your surgeon about how the procedure works, its benefits, risks, anesthesia options, and anything you’re unsure about.
   • Know the Recovery: Ask about recovery time, activity restrictions, and when you can safely return to your normal routine.

2. Follow Pre-Surgery Instructions Carefully

   Your doctor will give you specific pre-surgery instructions to help ensure a safe procedure and a smooth recovery. It's very important to follow these guidelines closely.

   Approximately one week before the procedure, a nurse from our surgery department will contact you to review important pre-operative information and answer any questions you may have.

   Topics Reviewed During Pre-Surgery Call

   During this call the nurse will discuss: 

   • Pass medical history
   • Recent illnesses
   • Medication holds
   • Your day-of-surgery plan 

   Common Pre-Surgery Guidelines

   Instructions may vary depending on your procedure, common pre-operative guidelines include: 

   • Fasting: You may need to avoid food and drinks for several hours before surgery to reduce anesthesia risks.
   • Medication Changes: Some medications, especially blood thinners, may need to be paused. Follow your doctor’s guidance.
   • Avoid Smoking, Alcohol, and Illicit Drugs: All can slow healing and increase complications, so you will be asked to stop temporarily. 
   • Transportation: You will need to plan for someone to take you to and from your appointment. We will not move forward with the procedure if your driver is not present and over the age of 18. 

   Questions or Concerns

   The pre-surgery call is an opportuntity to express any concerns you may have and ask questions. If additional questions come up afterwards, please after contact our Surgery Department at 319-642-8164. 

3. Organize Your Support System

   A strong support system can make recovery much easier. Having support in place allows you to focus on healing without added stress.

   • Arrange a Companion: You will need someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first few hours or longer, depending on the procedure.
   • Prepare Your Home: Set up a comfortable space with essentials like medications, snacks, water, and personal items within reach.
   • Plan for Extra Help: If your recovery takes time, ask family or friends to help with meals, chores, or errands.

4. Plan for Recovery

   Your body needs time and care to heal after surgery. While recovery varies by procedure, these basics can help:

   • Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: Stick to guidelines for medications, wound care, activity limits, and any recommended therapy.
   • Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Nutritious meals and plenty of water support healing and help you regain strength.
   • Rest: Give your body time to recover. Avoid overexertion and listen to your energy levels.
   • Prevent Infection: Keep the incision area clean and follow all wound-care instructions. Contact your doctor if you notice redness, swelling, or unusual discharge.
   • Go to Follow-up Visits: These appointments ensure your healing is on track and allow your doctor to address any concerns.

5. Mental Preparation for Surgery

   Feeling nervous before surgery is completely normal. Preparing your mind can help reduce anxiety and support a smoother experience.

   • Use Relaxation Techniques: Try deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness to calm your nerves.
   • Stay Positive: Focus on the benefits of the procedure and trust your care team.
   • Picture a Smooth Recovery: Imagine yourself healing well and returning to your normal activities.

Colonoscopy Preparation Instructions

You will need these items from a pharmacy. A prescription is not required for these items.

• Miralax (8.3 ounce bottle)
• 4 Dulcolax or Bisacodyl tablets
• 2 - 28 ounce bottles of Gatorade (NO RED)

Before your procedure

• Two days prior to your procedure avoid foods with indigestible skins (such as corn, tomatoes, peas, grapes, apple skins, cucumbers, pickles, and celery).
• The day before your procedure you will need to be on clear liquid diet ONLY, which includes water, tea, Jell-O (NO RED), broth, clear juice, soda, Gatorade or Powerade (NO RED), popsicles, and black coffee. (NO MILK PRODUCTS, ORANGE JUICE, OR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES)
  • 9:00 AM – Mix the entire bottle of Miralax and the 2 bottles of Gatorade together and place in the refrigerator.
  • 1:00 PM – Take your 4 Dulcolax tablets by mouth with a drink of clear liquid.
  • 4:00 PM – Begin drinking the Miralax/Gatorade combo until all is finished.
  • 5:00 PM - Midnight – Continue to drink clear liquids.
  • After midnight – You may NOT eat or drink anything until after the procedure is complete.

NO SMOKING OR SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCTS 8 HOURS BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE. Failure to comply will result in cancellation of your colonoscopy.

SPEAK WITH YOUR SURGEON TO DETERMINE HOW MANY DAYS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE YOU SHOULD STOP TAKING COUMADIN OR OTHER PRESCRIPTION BLOOD THINNERS.

Due to receiving anesthesia during your procedure, you are required to have a driver. It is our policy that your driver stays within the hospital throughout the entire surgical process.

A surgical nurse will call you at least two days prior to your scheduled procedure, between 1 pm and 3 pm. They will discuss your medical history, what medications to take prior to coming in for your procedure and your instructions for your procedure.

If you have any questions or need us to call you at a different time for your pre-procedure call, please call:

Surgery Department — Phone: 319-642-8164