Medical Plaza Urology Clinics
2000 S.W. Archer Road
Gainesville, Florida 32610
Phone: (352) 265-8240
Fax: (352) 265-8236

After 5PM or on weekends, if you have a problem, call Shands Hospital (352) 265-0111 and ask for the Urologist on call. If you have an emergency, as always, go to your nearest Emergency Room or phone 911.

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UF Shands Clinics are located just west of the intersection of US 441 and State Rd. 24.

• From I-75, take exit 75 (Archer Rd.) east approximately 3 miles.
• From US 441 (13th St.), travel west on SR 24 approximately 0.3 miles.
• If it is your first visit, it is important to obtain the records from any previous urologist. It is best not to have them forwarded ahead of time, but rather to keep copies and bring them to your clinic visit. Also bring the actual X-rays (not just the results) from other institutions (IVP, CT Scan, Ultrasound, Renal Scan). If you are a returning patient, it is sufficient to bring only new X-rays to your clinic visit.

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Below is a list of a variety of hotel accommodations in our area. (NOTE: Our department is not in any way affiliated with these lodging choices)

Hilton UF Conf. Center
1714 SW 34th Street
(352) 371-3600
Map to Location

Days Inn
1901 SW 13th Street
(352) 335-9100
Map to Location

Villager Lodge
1900 SW 13th Street
(352) 372-1880
Map to Location

Comfort Inn
2435 SW 13th Street
(352) 373-6500
Map to Location

Courtyard by Marriot
3700 SW 42nd Street
(352) 335-9100
Map to Location

Rush Lake Motel
1410 SW 16th Avenue
(888) 787-4525
Map to Location

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Once you and your physician have determined that you will need to undergo surgical treatment, a number of things need to happen. Every surgical procedure, no matter how small or large, is taken very seriously. It can sometimes seem like a long process, but it is to ensure the success and safety of your procedure.

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It is a requirement that a recent history and physical be performed prior to your operations. This is the perfect time to clear up any remaining questions you might have. The risks and alternatives to your procedure will be discussed with you, and you will sign the operative permit. If a bowel prep is indicated (see below) it will also be given then. Any recent changes in your health, medications, or symptoms should be relayed to your physician.

Pre-operative Testing - this is determined by your physician based on your illnesses, but in general...

• Blood Work
• Chest X-ray (CXR) - For everyone over 50
• Electrocardiogram (EKG) - For everyone over 50
• Anesthesia Pre-op Visit - This visit will allow you to discuss with an anesthesiologist the types of anesthesia available as well as their benefits/risks.
• Specialist Referrals - If you have heart, lung and/or cerebrovascular disease (ie angina, heart attacks, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, COPD, strokes, mini-strokes, etc), it is especially important that your urologist and anesthesiologist know exactly what your status is. If you are already followed by a specialist (cardiologist, pulmonologist, or neurologist) then clearance will need to be obtained through them, otherwise a referral might be needed. Additionally, tests such as echocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, thallium tests, stress tests, pulmonary function tests, and carotid doppler studies might be indicated. If you have ever had any of these examinations, it is critical that you bring these results along for your preoperative visits.

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Nothing by Mouth (NPO) - Usually this begins around midnight on the night preceding your operation. During the induction of anesthesia, nausea and vomiting may result. If you have a full stomach this can cause aspiration of the stomach contents into the lungs with serious consequences.

Bowel Prep - Clearing the intestines of residual material will reduce the chances of intra-abdominal and wound infections. Sometimes this is done on a precautionary basis, as when a patient has had a number of previous surgeries which could increase the risk of inadvertent injury to the bowel. Other times, opening the intestine is a planned part of the procedure (ie urinary diversions) and thus the bowel prep is extremely important. The bowel prep begins at least the day prior to the procedure when you begin on a clear liquid diet (you must be able to physically see through the liquid). It is important to consume these liquids to prevent dehydration prior to your procedure.

In general there are two options for bowel preps:

• Magnesium Citrate - A small green bottle to be taken in one setting.
• Golytely - A gallon of liquid that should be consumed in less than 2 hours. Sometimes erythromycin and neomycin antibiotics are added.

If you are unable to tolerate your bowel prep, or the stool is not clearing appropriately, please let your doctor know immediately.

Adjustment of your medications around the time of your operation - In general, you should not miss any of your routine medications. If you are to be NPO (nothing by mouth) then take them with a very small sip of water. There are exceptions to this rule, including certain pain medications, blood thinners, and insulin. Talk about this with your doctor.

On the night before your surgery, the operating room will contact you around 6 p.m. once the schedule has been finalized. They will tell you the details about when and where to arrive. If there are problems, call the Shands Operating Room at (352) 265-0023.

If you have your X-rays, remember to bring them on the day of the operation. You will be going to the ambulatory surgery desk on the 1st floor of Shands Hospital. Family members will be allowed to wait in one of the designated surgery waiting areas. Let your physician know where they will be waiting.

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