Before Your Visit: Pre-Consultation
Before your appointment, your referring physician will share your suspected diagnosis and possible treatment options with our team. If fetal surgery may be an option for you, we will help coordinate an ultrasound and consultation with Dr. Chmait.
Please bring the following to your appointment:
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A valid photo I.D.
- Your insurance card
If you have any questions before your visit, feel free to call us at 213-469-6277.
Day of Your Appointment: Consultation & Ultrasound
Location:
1300 N. Vermont Ave, Suite 905
Doctors Tower, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center
Upon arrival:
Please park in the lot and proceed to Suite 905. You’ll first meet with Kris Rallo, RN, Clinical Nurse Coordinator, and Arlyn Llanes, RN, Program Coordinator. They’ll answer any immediate questions you may have about your diagnosis.
You will then have an ultrasound with Stephanie Loew, RDMS, BS, our Fetal Surgery Sonographer. This evaluation may take up to two hours.
Following the ultrasound, Dr. Chmait will review the results, discuss the diagnosis, explain treatment options (which may or may not include surgery), and outline a recommended follow-up plan. He will also address any questions or concerns.
After your consultation with Dr. Chmait, you can speak again with Kris or Arlyn for additional clarification. If surgery is needed, you’ll receive a detailed surgery consent form, along with the hospital’s consent paperwork. Both must be signed prior to your procedure. Arlyn or Kris will be available to answer any questions about these documents.
Preparing for Surgery
If you choose to proceed with fetal surgery, a pre-operative appointment will be scheduled either on the same day or on the day of your surgery. During this visit:
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You’ll register as a patient
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Blood tests will be completed
The night before surgery:
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Do not eat or drink anything after midnight (also called “NPO”)
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You may have a regular dinner the evening before
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Please remove all jewelry (except a wedding ring, if applicable)
Day of Surgery
Please arrive at the Hollywood Presbyterian Admitting Department prior to your scheduled time. An IV will be placed to administer fluids and medications, and another blood draw may be performed if not done previously. A brief ultrasound will also be done before surgery.
A member of our surgical nursing team will accompany you to the operating room.
During Surgery
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You will be made comfortable with a warm blanket and pillow support
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IV medication will help you relax
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A catheter will be placed to empty your bladder and will remain for several hours
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Local anesthesia will numb the surgical area
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Depending on the type of procedure, you may be awake, but relaxed, throughout the procedure
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An anesthesiologist will be present the entire time
Surgical Details (varies based on the type of procedure):
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One or two very small incisions (about 1/10 of an inch) may be made
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These incisions typically require only skin glue and band-aid dressings
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Surgery generally takes 1–2 hours, but timing may vary
After Surgery
You will be monitored in the recovery room for at least an hour. Medication may be given to relax the uterus and prevent contractions. Most patients experience only mild discomfort, and pain relief is available if needed.
If you are staying overnight:
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You’ll be moved to a private hospital room
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The bladder catheter is usually removed about 4 hours later
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Your support person (spouse, partner, etc.) is welcome to stay with you; a recliner/bed is provided for their comfort
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You may resume eating and drinking, as tolerated
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Activity will be limited to bathroom use only, unless otherwise directed
Travel and Recovery
Please plan to stay in the Los Angeles area for 2–3 days:
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Day 1 – Ultrasound and consultation
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Day 2 – Surgery
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Day 3 – Discharge from the hospital (if applicable)
You may return home by car or airplane, depending on your condition and comfort.
Questions?
Our team is here to support you every step of the way. For assistance or more information, please contact our office at 213-469-6277.