Hello:

     You will be contacted within the next week by mail from our Surgical Scheduling Department with a date, time and instructions for your surgical procedure. Please keep in mind that most surgeries will be scheduled within 2-3 weeks due to the Doctor's schedules. If there are any days that you are unable to have surgery please contact our office with those dates as soon as possible. Listed below are instructions regarding your surgical procedure.

     If surgery has been scheduled for you or a family member, this link tells what to do before surgery ("pre-op"). Be sure to follow any other guidelines your health care provider, hospital, or surgery center gives you.

Before Your Surgery

Try to quit smoking as far before surgery as you can. Smoking makes problems after surgery more likely. You will require a driver to take you to and from your surgery. You may be asked to register at the hospital or surgery center ahead of time. If needed, your doctor may discuss blood donation. You shouldn't have anything to eat, drink, or smoke after midnight the night before. Tell your doctor what medications you take. This includes things like aspirin or vitamins. Ask whether you should stop taking any of these medications before surgery. No aspirin or medications containing aspirin should be taken for approximately one week prior to surgery. If you are not sure whether or not your medications contain aspirin you can contact your pharmacist and they should be able to assist you. If your medications do not contain aspirin you may take them as usual with a small sip of water. If you have had any medical complications in the past, you should contact your medical doctor for medical approval. Keep your surgery appointment. If you can't, call your doctor and hospital or surgery center right away. If you have questions about the information you have received, please contact us immediately.

Arrangements to Make
(Plan ahead)

Stock up on food Check that you have easy access to the bathroom Check with your health insurance plan to be sure you have the referrals or approvals you need. Arrange for an adult to drive you home after surgery. Ask someone to stay with you after you return home from surgery, at least for the first night.

Nothing by Mouth (NPO)

Don't drink alcohol for the 24 hours before your surgery. Unless told you can, don't smoke, eat, or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This includes water, chewing gum, and mints. You can brush your teeth and rinse your mouth, but don't swallow any water. If you've been told to take any medications, take them with a few small sips of water.

The Day of Surgery

Bring to the Hospital:

Any test results Health insurance card Change of clothes Toothbrush Case for your glasses, contact lenses, hearing aid, or dentures.

If your child is having surgery:

Favorite toy or blanket Formula or special food, if needed, for after surgery.

Leave at Home:

Jewelry, watches Credit cards, money, other valuables Wigs or hairpieces Makeup, hairspray, perfume, nail polish (don't wear any of these to the hospital)