Pre-Op Instructions

Before your surgery, you will receive a phone call from the surgical pre-operative staff regarding preoperative instructions/pre-op instructions. Listen very carefully and take notes so that you do not forget anything. Basic instructions generally include:

1. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to your surgery. This includes water and coffee. This is for your safety during the procedure, and unfortunately, if you eat or drink after midnight, your surgery will have to be cancelled.

1. Make sure that your primary care physician and any other necessary physicians have completed your pre-operative medical evaluation and have completed your clearance to proceed with surgery. Make sure you have discontinued any medications that you were instructed to stop taking by your physician.

1. You will be called before the date of surgery and told what time to arrive . Your time of surgery may change the day of surgery due to unforeseen cancellations or surgeries that require extended time.  Please be flexible and available the day of surgery.  Usually you are asked to arrive approximately 2 hours prior to your surgery time. This will allow time to get everything in order. Please allow enough time; if you arrive late, your surgery might have to be rescheduled.

1. If you are having outpatient surgery, you MUST arrange for someone to drive you home. Every patient is given at least some kind of narcotic or sedative before, during, and/or after the operation. It is unsafe for you to drive or take public transportation. You will need someone to arrive with you, go home with you and stay with you for the first twenty four hours after surgery.