Before & After Surgery Instructions

Before Surgery Instructions

• Do not eat or drink anything including water after midnight of the day preceding surgery. Undigested food in the stomach can cause complications, and your surgery is likely to be postponed if you forget.
• Bathe or shower the morning of surgery to minimize the chance of infection. Teeth may be brushed, but DO NOT swallow any water.
• Refrain from smoking after midnight on the day preceding surgery.
• If you suspect you are pregnant please notify your surgeon. Anesthesia and medications may be harmful to the developing fetus.
• If you experience any health changes between your most recent visit to your surgeon and the day of surgery, please notify your surgeon. Please report even minor changes, such as an elevated temperature, cough or cold.
• Leave your jewelry and other valuables at home.
• Wear casual loose clothing during surgery; you will wear a patient gown provided by the Surgery Center.
• Arrange for an adult to be at the surgery center during surgery and to drive you home. You should also arrange to have someone stay with you for the first night following your surgery.
• If your child is having surgery, feel free to bring his favorite stuffed animal or security blanket for added reassurance.
• Limit the number of people who accompany you to the center. To maximize the comfort of all visitors, we suggest that adult patients be accompanied by only one person. However, we do welcome both parents of the pediatric patient.
• One week prior to surgery, a nurse from the Surgery Center will call you and verify your medical history and give you pre-operative instructions. If you have not received this phone call one week prior to surgery, please call your designated surgery facility.

Helpful Hints

• Wear flat comfortable slip-on shoes.
• Wear comfortable loose clothing to accommodate large dressings and/or tender surgery sites.
• Arrange for care of your children for the 24 hours following surgery as you could feel drowsy for that period of time.

After Surgery Instructions

• You may not drive yourself home after surgery. A family member or friend must drive you home.
• You will stay at the center for approximately 2 hours after the surgery is completed. Please have your family member or friend prepared to stay at the center during surgery. This will allow the physician to see this person if desired.
• Eat a light diet for the first 24 hours after surgery. It is advisable that you have a reasonable adult with you for at least 12 hours after you arrive home. (It may be longer if recommended by your physician).
• Follow any specific home care instructions you receive after your surgery.
• The medical staff will discharge you when they are assured you are in stable condition. HOWEVER, you could still feel sleepy, slightly dizzy, or nauseated. These are possible and normal side effects of anesthesia and can last for 12-24 hours.

Wait at least 24 hours after you arrive home to:

• Drive
• Operate any equipment.
• Sign any important documents.
• Drink any alcoholic beverages.
• Take any medicine not prescribed or acknowledged by your surgeon.

After 12-24 hours, if any problems occur you should contact your doctor’s office at: (702) 792-6700.