Welcome to Midwest Stone Institute

Our mission is to provide excellent care and to make sure your expectations are met by receiving compassionate quality services. 

If you have specific questions about your procedure, or if you develop a cold, fever or flu like symptoms in the 24 hours before your procedure, please contact doctor directly or Midwest Stone Institute.

Before Your Procedure

• Clear, open communication is the key to a smooth procedure
• Prior to your procedure you will need to have your current insurance card
• You may be contacted by the hospital to schedule an appointment in the surgical testing area. 
• At this appointment, a nurse will ask you about:
• Any medications you may be taking, including over-the counter and herbal supplements
• Please bring your medications in their original labeled containers
• Telephone numbers of your current physicians.
• At this appointment you may be required to have pre-procedure testing based on your medical history or your doctor’s orders (testing may include lab work, X-ray or EKG).  If any of these tests were not performed at the hospital where your procedure will occur, please let the nurse know when and where you had your tests done.  If the hospital is unable to get the results, they may have to repeat the test(s).
• You may need to speak with someone from the Anesthesia Department about your medical history.
• Please bring your current insurance card and a photo ID to the hospital
• If you have not received a call from Midwest Stone Institute 7 days prior to your scheduled procedure, please call (314) 835-1549, or (800) 770-0880.  Note: you will also be contacted by the hospital; however, Midwest Stone Institute ALSO needs to speak with you regarding your procedure. The reason is that it is Midwest Stone Institute’s equipment and Midwest Stone Institute technicians who will be assisting the physician during your procedure.
• You will receive a call from Midwest Stone Institute to explain
• What to expect prior to your procedure
• Where to check into the hospital
• What time to check into the hospital
• What will happen during your procedure
• What to expect after your procedure

Midwest Stone Institute will also email you a letter with this and other helpful information on your procedure.

• STOP all blood thinning agents, aspirin products and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications 7 days prior to surgery, unless otherwise directed by your physician.  Please refer to the link Medications that May Delay Treatment for other medications.
• STOP all vitamins and herbal supplements 7 days prior to surgery.
• STOP all diet drugs or appetite suppressant medications 14 days prior to your procedure.

On the Day of Your Procedure
DO…..

• Have someone available to drive you home after your procedure.  You will not be allowed to drive after receiving anesthesia.  You will not be allowed to take a taxi or public transportation home.
• Follow instructions given by the hospital concerning taking your usual medicines on the day of surgery
• Leave all jewelry and valuables at home
• Leave luggage, crutches and other personal belongings in your car
• Bring a case for dentures or partials
• Bring a case for your contact lenses or glasses
• Wear loose-fitting , comfortable clothing
• Notify your doctor of any signs of a cold, upper respiratory infection or other symptoms
• Bring your insurance card (s), including Medicare and Medicaid, and a photo ID
• A Midwest Stone Institute technician will speak to you about your procedure in the holding area.
• Do ask any questions you have about the procedure or what to expect after the procedure.

DO NOT…..

• Eat or drink anything after midnight prior to your procedure, including water, coffee, mints, juice and gum;  if you eat or drink anything at or after midnight, your surgery will be cancelled or delayed.
• Take any medications the day of surgery, unless instructed to do so by your doctor or the hospital’s pre-admission nurse.
• Plan to drive yourself home.  You MAY NOT drive after you receive anesthesia.
• Plan to take a taxi-cab home, unless an adult accompanies you.
• Bring anything of value with you to the hospital
• Wear make-up

What to Expect after your Procedure:

• You will be reunited with your family in the Recovery area.
• You may be discharged as soon as you meet the discharge criteria:
• Your blood pressure is stable
• You are able to walk
• You are able to drink
• Your pain is under control
• You are able to urinate (for lithotripsy [kidney stone] procedure)
• You understand your discharge instructions
• We recommend that you have a responsible adult with you for the first 24 hours after your procedure
• You will not be allowed to drive yourself home, so please have someone available to drive you home; you will want to make arrangements for going home long before you leave for the hospital.  To ensure your safety, the hospital will release you only when a relative or friend arrives to pick you up and see you home safely; taxi cabs are unacceptable substitutes (unless your relative or friend are accompanying you in the taxi-cab).  If your driver does not plan to wait at the hospital during your surgery, please give your nurse a number where he or she can be called.