Knowing what to except can help ease anxiety when undergoing surgery. In order to make your surgery go as smoothly as possible, follow these general guidelines to prepare for surgery unless otherwise directed by your surgeon.
How to Prepare for Surgery: Pre-admission Testing
Please arrange to have your pre-operative testing done by your primary care doctor. Your surgeon will also provide you an order for the diagnostic tests required for your procedure. Please note: If testing isn’t completed before the day of your procedure, your surgery may be rescheduled.
What to Bring the Day of Your Surgery
A written list of the medications you take, including the dosages and frequency.
Photo ID (driver’s license or state ID).
Insurance card and information.
Names and phone numbers of family or friends to contact in case of an emergency.
Comfortable clothes to wear home.
Copy of advance directive (if you have one).
A responsible adult to take you home for all outpatient same-day procedures. You won’t be able to drive the day of your procedure.
Pre-operative Instructions
Don’t eat or drink after midnight the evening before your procedure (this includes gum, candy and mints). You may brush your teeth and rinse your mouth the morning of surgery as long as you don’t swallow. If you eat/drink anything after midnight, your surgery may be delayed, postponed or rescheduled.
Don’t smoke or drink alcohol after midnight before your surgery.
Several weeks before surgery, ask your surgeon if you should stop taking any of your medications.
Cancellations
If you need to cancel your surgery, call your doctor’s office first. If you’re feeling ill the morning of the surgery, please notify the hospital so we can determine if your procedure should be rescheduled.
