Pre-Op Instructions
A nurse will call you seven to ten days prior to your surgery to go over detailed instructions and what to expect on the day of your procedure. At that time, you will be asked for an up to date medication list and extensive medical history to ensure your safety on the day of surgery.
See below for general instructions. These may change based on your specific situation.
Before Surgery
- Do not eat anything after midnight the night before
- No dairy products after midnight or the morning of surgery
- No chewing gum or hard candy the morning of surgery
- Clear fluids are allowed up to 4 hours before surgery
- Review any instructions that were given to you by your Doctor
- Take a complete bath or shower, including washing your hair
- No makeup, nail polish or jewelry
Alert staff when scheduling surgery if you are currently taking any of these medications:
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
- Cilostazol (Pletal)
- Fondaparinux (Arixtia)
- Ticlidopine (Ticlid)
- Clopidogrel(Plavix)
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
Medical Problems to Alert the Doctor
- History of complications with anesthesia
- History of bleeding problems
- Symptoms of upper respiratory infection within 1 week of surgery
- Allergies and any existing medical problems
Arrival
- For most surgeries you will be asked to arrive 1 hour before surgery
What to Wear and Bring
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Bring an updated list of current medications including prescription, over-the-counter, and any vitamins or herbal supplements
- Insurance Card
- Co-pay, if insurance requires it
After Surgery
- Have a responsible adult who can drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours
- You will be given detailed discharge instructions and a follow-up appointment