Surgical

Compile a list of all of your prescriptions plus any over-the-counter medications you are taking, including supplements and eye drops. Putting this list together several days before your procedure will make pre-op phone calls easier for you and the nurse.

The day before your procedure, pack items you will need to bring with you to the hospital. Be sure to include: 

• A list of your current medications
• Medicare, Medicaid and/or insurance ID cards
• Photo ID
• A case for glasses or contact lenses, dentures and hearing aids
• An overnight bag if you will be staying the night in the hospital

The day of your procedure, wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown.

A surgical nurse will call you a few days before surgery to confirm your procedure. The nurse will ask questions related to your medical history and your current medications. The nurse will also review your pre-operative instructions, including those for arrival time, medications, eating and drinking, and hygiene. The nurse will also answer any questions you may have.

If you receive sedation and anesthesia, you cannot drive home after your procedure. You must be accompanied with a responsible adult. Most patients should have an adult with them for 24-hours after surgery.

Take your medications as instructed by your surgeon or nurse. Usually prescriptions for heart, blood pressure, breathing, seizures and pain can taken with a sip of water the morning of surgery. 

Make sure you understand the pre-operative instructions the nurse gave you.

For your safety, you MUST follow eating and drinking pre-operative instructions. Your surgery may be canceled if these instructions are not followed. 

• Remember the time the nurse tells you to stop eating and drinking before your procedure.
• You may not chew gum, smoke, eat mints or suck hard candy during this time of fasting.
• You may brush your teeth, but DO NOT swallow water. 

Only take clear liquids if the pre-operative nurse says you may do so. Clear liquids include the following ONLY:

• Clear broth, black coffee or tea
• Soda, water, Gatorade (no red or purple)
• Pulp-free apple, white cranberry or white grape juice
• Jell-o, popsicles

For your safety, please: 

• Remove all jewelry, including facial, tongue or body piercings. Leave your jewelry at home. 
• Do not shave the surgical area 48 hours prior to surgery. 
• Follow instructions for pre-operative showers.
• Wear freshly laundered, comfortable clothing.
• Do not wear make-up or nail polish. 
• Plan to remove contact lenses before surgery.