Preparation for a Procedure or Surgery

Pre-Op Instructions For Enhanced Recovery After Surgery

- Please Read Carefully -

The night before surgery do not eat anything after midnight. Do not eat anything the day of Surgery/Procedure. This includes ice, gum, or candy. Teeth may be brushed but avoid swallowing any water. Follow instructions given to you by your surgeon's office. Do a Hibiclens shower as instructed by your surgeon. Clear liquid diet as ordered by Anesthesiologist. Drink 16-ounces of Original Gatorade or PowerAde - (any color but red) at bedtime or at midnight the night before surgery. On the day of surgery drink 12 - ounces of Original Gatorade or PowerAde (no red) 1 hour prior to arrival time at the hospital. Stop drinking all fluids after taking this.

Some medications are ok to take the morning of surgery with a sip of water / Gatorade / PowerAde, to be determined by anesthesia.

Do not take Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, Excedrin, Ibuprofen products, or blood thinner the week prior to surgery unless you have instructions to continue them from your physician. You may take Tylenol if needed. Stop all vitamin E, herbal medications, fish oil, and diet pills. If you have cardiac stents, follow up with your cardiologist regarding stopping or continuing to take your blood thinners.

Bring legal guardianship papers or court orders if applicable.

Bring a copy of living will / advanced directives to hospital.

Notify the surgeon if patient gets a cold, sore throat, cough, and fever, reaction to insect bite, rash, or illness prior to surgery.

Wear casual, loose fitting and comfortable clothing.

Leave all personal items of sentimental value at home. Do not use lotion or deodorant on the day of surgery / procedure. Bring a photo ID, insurance card, and co-pay if applicable.

If you wear dentures, you will need to remove them prior to your surgical procedure, they must be removed prior to general anesthesia. A denture cup will be provided for you.

Please give us your phone number so that we can reach you the evening prior to your procedure.

If you have outpatient surgery, you must arrange for a responsible adult to take you home. You will not be permitted to take public transportation without an escort. You are encouraged to have someone stay with you for 24 hours. Give us a phone number to reach you on the day after the procedure.

Please check in thru the outpatient entrance.

If your arrival time changes you will be contacted by a nurse from Pre-Procedure Testing between 5 - 6 pm the day before your procedure.