General Instructions for Surgery

How do you prepare for the surgery?

Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand how to prepare. You may be scheduled to meet with the anesthesia team to discuss the process of putting you to sleep (general anesthesia) for the surgery.

Preparing for surgery

• Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
• Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options. If you still have questions and do not have a follow up with us before your surgery please call us at 628-206-1000 so we can set up a time to answer your questions.
• Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your surgery. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery.
• If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your surgery. These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners. Make sure to follow these instructions closely.
• Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. It lets others know your health care wishes. It’s a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.

What happens on the day of surgery?

• Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don’t, your surgery may be canceled.
• If you were told to take your medicines on the day of surgery, take them with only a sip of water.
• Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery.
• Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
• Take off all jewelry and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.

At the hospital or surgery center

• Bring a picture ID.
• The area for surgery is often marked to make sure there are no errors.
• You will meet lots of hospital providers who will help take care of you.

When should you call your doctor?

• You have questions or concerns.
• You don’t understand how to prepare for your surgery.
• You become ill before the surgery (such as fever, flu, or a cold).
• You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about having the surgery.