Surgery Instructions

Prior to Surgery
It is extremely important that you follow all of your pre-operative instructions. If you have questions regarding your instructions, please ask your doctor or any member of our staff. If your doctor has ordered pre-operative testing, please ensure all tests are completed prior to surgery. Please note: Your surgery may need to be rescheduled if all pre-operative requirements are not met.

The following instructions will help you best prepare for your upcoming procedure:

• Talk with your doctor about your current medications. Your doctor will direct you regarding what to continue and discontinue.
• No eating or drinking, including water or chewing gum, after midnight on the day before surgery.
• Do not wear make-up the day of surgery.
• Do not wear fingernail or toenail polish.
• Do not wear any jewelry; we cannot be responsible for lost jewelry or valuables. Please leave jewelry at home.
• Do not wear contact lenses.
• Do not use lotion, powder or apply any cologne the morning of the procedure.
• Avoid aspirin or other blood thinners for 10 days prior to surgery. Ask your doctor about any other medications you might be taking.
• Take a complete bath or shower the morning of the procedure.
• Make arrangements with a friend or a family member to stay with you following the procedure.
• If a change in you physical condition develops prior to surgery such as a cold or persistent cough please contact your doctor.

Day of Surgery
On the day of surgery, wear loose, comfortable clothes to allow room for dressings or wraps. Remember to follow all of your doctor's pre-operative instructions.

Please bring the following with you:

• Health Survey - complete the entire questionnaire. This information allows our doctors and nurses to give you the best personal care.
• All insurance information: insurance card, forms, claim, address, phone number, insurance ID card and policy group number and name, address and phone number of your employer.
• Social Security number, date of birth of patient and insurance subscriber.

After Surgery
After your surgery, you may experience sleepiness or dizziness for up to 24 hours. Therefore, a responsible person must bring you to the center, remain at the center and take you home. Taxi and bus drivers are unable to accept responsibility for your welfare, and are not acceptable means of transportation after you have sedation. Your surgery will be rescheduled or delayed if a responsible person is not present to drive you home.

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery area where your blood pressure, pulse and breathing rate will be monitored. Once you are awake and the doctor and staff will help you prepare to go home. Your doctor and/or nurse will provide specific care instructions and written instructions will be sent home with you. What we share with you during discharge is a very important aspect of your care and contributes to a successful recovery. At your request, family members are invited to listen to discharge instructions.

Please wait at least 24 hours after surgery to:

• Drive or operate any equipment.
• Sign important papers.
• Make important decisions.
• Drink alcoholic beverages.
• Take medications not prescribed by your doctor.

One of our nurses will call you within 24-72 hours after your surgery to check on you. However, if you are experiencing problems do not wait for the nurse call. CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY!