Preparing For Surgery
Before Your Surgery
Your surgical team will provide instructions regarding your procedure, medications, testing, arrival time, and recovery plan.
What You Should Do
-
Review your surgery instructions and make sure you understand them.
-
Complete all required pre-operative testing, medical clearance, and anesthesia evaluation, if applicable.
-
Provide an accurate list of all medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you take.
-
Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding medications that should be taken, stopped, or adjusted before surgery.
-
Follow the specific eating and drinking instructions provided by your anesthesia team.
-
Do not smoke, vape, or use recreational drugs before surgery unless specifically directed otherwise.
-
Follow any instructions for showering, skin cleansing, or surgical-site preparation.
-
Complete any prescribed infection-prevention measures, such as MRSA/MSSA screening or decolonization, if instructed.
-
Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home AND to stay with you as instructed after surgery for the first 24 hours.
-
Plan for help with meals, transportation, children, pets, and household activities during your initial recovery.
-
Follow any instructions regarding physical therapy, mobility equipment, or assistive devices.
-
Contact your surgeon if you develop a significant illness, fever, infection, rash, open wound, or other change in your health before surgery.
What to Bring
Bring only what you need:
-
Photo identification and insurance information, if requested.
-
Glasses or hearing aids, if needed, as well as a case.
-
Medication list.
-
Required medical equipment or assistive devices (crutches, walker, sling, immobilizer, brace, boot).
-
Loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on after surgery.
-
Your CPAP/BiPAP equipment, if instructed to bring it.
Leave valuables, jewelry, large amounts of cash, and unnecessary electronic devices at home.
The Night Before Surgery
-
Follow your individualized eating and drinking instructions exactly.
-
Take only medications approved by your surgeon or anesthesia team.
-
Shower or cleanse your skin according to the instructions provided.
-
Do not shave the surgical area unless specifically instructed.
-
Get adequate rest.
-
Confirm your transportation and arrival plans.
If you are unsure whether you should eat, drink, or take a medication, contact your surgical team before proceeding.