General Info

Surgery at Duke University Medical Center is performed at two locations, either at Duke North, which is the main hospital, or at the North Pavillion, which is the outpatient surgery center. The location of your surgery depends upon many factors including the type of surgery, your other illnesses and general health, and operating room availability.

If your doctor recommends surgery for treatment of your problem, you may decide to schedule surgery at the time of your clinic visit or after you have had time to consider the doctor’s recommendations with your friends and family.

You will need to schedule a pre-operative evaluation where you will have a general examination, blood tests drawn as needed. An EKG and a chest x-ray may be performed as well depending upon your medical history. You will also receive important information regarding eating and drinking before surgery, taking your usual medications, and information about anesthesia. You will also receive driving and parking directions to the location of your surgery.

On the evening before your surgery, a nurse will call you to remind you about your pre-operative instructions and to give you a time to report to the hospital. This time is generally two hours prior to your scheduled surgery time. This allows us to check you in, verify your information, administer any medications that are needed before your surgery, and assure that you are consented and prepared for surgery.