Preparing for Surgery

There are a number of guidelines to follow in preparing for surgery:

• It is advisable to have a bath/shower before any procedures as subsequent bath/shower may be difficult depending on what procedures has been carried out.
  
• Please do not shave the surgical site!  It will be done for you if necessary.  Shaving yourself increases the risk of infection.
• If you are diabetic, please contact your primary physician for instructions regarding your insulin or oral medications.
• If you are currently taking aspirin, aspirin products, or non-steroidal medications, which includes Ascriptin, Aleve, Mortin or Advil; STOP taking these medications 5 days prior to your surgery.
• If you are currently taking Coumadin (Warfarin), Ticlid (Ticlopidine), or Plavix (Clopidogrel); if you are on these drugs, please inform me for advice.
• For morning surgery: Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery unless otherwise instructed.  This includes coffee, tea, water, and juice. 
• For afternoon surgery: A small breakfast BEFORE 7AM is OK, and nothing after that.  Your surgery may be cancelled if you do not follow these instructions.
• Do Not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours prior to your surgery.
• Do Not bring valuables such as money, jewelry, etc.  Do Not wear makeup.
• Bring toiletries and loose fitting, comfortable clothing to wear upon discharge.
• Notify us if there is a change in your condition prior to surgery (such as a cold, cough, fever or infection).  If severe, your surgery may need to be postponed for your safety.
• Stop all herbal medications 4 weeks before surgery unless discussed beforehand (especially Ginseng, Garlic, Gingko, or St. John’s Wort, which increases the risk of bleeding).

There are also a few important steps to take the day of your surgery:

• On the day of your surgery, report to hospital reception.
• If you have not already done so, you will meet your anesthesiologist.
• After the operation, you will go directly to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for 1-2 days, then admitted to a hospital room for further recovery if necessary.
• After discharge, and as long as you are taking prescription pain medicine, you are not permitted to:

• Drive a Car nor operate power equipment.
• Drink Alcoholic Beverages.
• Sign important papers.
• Instructions regarding safe resumption of the above activities will be provided by your surgeon.

• If you have questions, regarding any of the above instructions, please do not hesitate to contact our office.