Here, you will find helpful answers to important questions regarding preparation, the procedure on the day of surgery, and aftercare.
Worth knowing
Before the surgery
How do I prepare for the surgery?
We will provide you with all the necessary information and instructions before the surgery. As a general guideline, you should fast, which means you should not eat anything for six hours prior to the procedure and only consume clear liquids for two hours beforehand. Please refrain from taking any blood-thinning medication unless your doctor has advised otherwise.
What documents do I need to bring?
Please bring your health insurance card, a referral (if applicable), the operation information and all relevant medical documents (e.g. doctor’s letters, X-ray images, MRI findings).
How does the day of the surgery go?
After your arrival, you will report to reception and be accompanied to the prepared area, where a doctor or nurse will discuss the final details with you. The surgery will then take place. After the procedure, you will be taken to our recovery room, where our team will look after you and provide you with snacks and drinks if required. As soon as you are sufficiently awake, your circulation is stable and you feel well, you will be able to leave the clinic.
You may travel home with relatives, by taxi, or via a medical transport service. The referring practice must issue a medical transport certificate, and you should request reimbursement for the transport costs from your health insurance company prior to the operation. You are not permitted to drive home or use public transport alone. It is important to have a postoperative companion present for at least 24 hours after your discharge from the surgical center.
What can I eat or drink before the surgery?
You should not eat anything six hours before the operation. Up to two hours before the operation you may drink clear liquids such as water, tea or black coffee (without milk or sugar). No juices, no milk. And please also refrain from chewing gum, sweets or smoking.
Do I have to take my regular medication before the surgery?
Please discuss this with your attending physician and the anesthesiologist. Some medications, such as blood thinners or insulin, may need to be adjusted.
Which risks are associated with the procedure?
As with any surgery, complications such as infections, post-operative bleeding or problems with wound healing can occur. Your attending physician will inform you about the specific risks associated with your procedure.
Is there a risk that I will wake up during the anesthetic?
Waking up during an operation under anesthesia (awareness) is a very rare event that you do not need to be afraid of during your outpatient operation. Our monitoring system tracks your depth of anesthesia throughout the procedure, ensuring that you are “deeply enough” asleep. Overall, maintaining a calm, stress-free atmosphere during your entire stay is very important to us.
What side effects can occur with anesthesia?
Modern anesthesia can be performed with very few side effects and risks, particularly for planned, outpatient procedures rather than emergencies. However, no medical procedure is completely risk-free. We assess your individual risk in our anesthesia pre-interview and prepare for the procedure together with you. Please inform us during the pre-interview if you have any serious pre-existing conditions, allergies, or past negative experiences with anesthesia. It is crucial to adhere to the fasting requirements and duration that we will confirm with you during the pre-interview. Our anesthesia workstations are equipped to accommodate your individual risk and respond immediately should any side effects occur.
Are there alternatives to the planned surgery?
Your doctor will discuss this with you individually. If non-surgical alternatives such as physiotherapy, injections, or other treatments are viable, they will provide you with detailed advice.
Worth knowing
On the day of surgery
Can someone accompany me?
Yes, a companion is welcome. They can stay in our waiting area during the operation. There is also the option to inform them when it’s time for you to be picked up.
What should I wear on the day of the operation?
Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to put on and take off. Avoid wearing jewelry, nail polish, or contact lenses.
What do I do with my (valuable) belongings?
We will provide you with a lockable locker on-site for your personal belongings. This ensures that your items will be kept safe during the operation. Please understand that we cannot accept liability for the contents of the lockers.
How long will I stay in the clinic?
This depends on the procedure. Patients usually stay for two to four hours after the surgery for observation.
Are there parking facilities?
Yes, there are paid underground parking available under Quartier 205 across the street (entrance to the underground car park via Taubenstraße).
Worth knowing
After the surgery
When can I go home again after the operation?
You can go home as soon as you feel awake and stable, which is usually two to four hours after the procedure.
Do I need someone to pick me up?
Yes, you are not allowed to drive yourself home after an outpatient operation. Please arrange for a companion to bring you home safely. The journey can be organized by relatives, a taxi, or a medical transport company. A postoperative companion should be present for at least 24 hours after discharge from the surgical center.
What happens after the surgery?
You will receive precise instructions for follow-up care from your doctor. This includes information on medication, rest periods and check-up appointments. He/she will also give you a 24/7 emergency number that you can call at any time if you have any complaints. If you experience shortness of breath or circulatory issues after the surgery, please contact the emergency services of the Berlin fire department on 112.
What symptoms are normal, and when should I contact a doctor?
Mild pain, swelling or bruising are normal after surgery. Contact your doctor if you experience severe pain, persistent bleeding, fever or signs of infection.
When can I return to work or exercise?
This depends on the type of procedure. Your doctor will discuss with you when you can safely resume work or sporting activities.
Will my health insurance cover the costs?
This depends on your insurance status and the type of procedure. Private patients are billed according to the GOÄ. Patients with statutory health insurance should contact their health insurance provider for more information.
Who can I contact if I have questions after the surgery?
Before the surgery, you will be given a telephone number where you can contact your doctor at any time if you have any questions or complications.