PREPARING FOR SURGERY

It is very important to carefully prepare for your surgery. This is for your safety and to help you have the best possible result. Please follow these instructions carefully.

UP TO ONE MONTH BEFORE SURGERY

History And Physical:

Go see your Primary Care Physician for medical clearance and/ or your Cardiologist for cardiac clearance (if applicable) within 30 days before your surgery (make sure it is at least a week prior to surgery). You will need to see a doctor for a complete medical history and physical.

You will need the following pre-admission tests for medical clearance (if applicable):

  • LABS – CBC and CHEM SCREEN (good for 30 days prior to surgery)
  • EKG (good for 4 months prior to surgery)
  • CHEST X-RAY (good for 1 year prior to surgery)

After the appointment with your medical doctor, ask to have a copy of the results and clearance sent to our office, clearance must be in four days prior to your surgery. Our fax number is 201-342-1030.

THE DAY BEFORE SURGERY

Confirmation:

Our office will contact you a day before surgery. This is to confirm the time you should arrive for your surgery and answer your questions. If you know you will not be available then, please call us at 201-342-1010.

No Eating:

You should not have milk, liquids or solid foods after midnight the day of their surgery. This includes chewing gum, hard candy and chewing tobacco. If there is food or liquid in your stomach, your surgery will be cancelled.

Bathing:

It is important to prepare your skin for surgery to reduce the risk of infection. You must take a bath or shower the night before and the morning of surgery.

HAIR:

Many hair products and hair pieces contain highly flammable products. Your safety is our first priority. That’s why we require that you wash your hair the night before or the morning of surgery using only shampoo and conditioner.

DO NOT use any other hair products after washing. This includes hair spray, mousse, gels, etc.

DO NOT wear wigs or hair pieces.

Because these products are highly flammable, they create a risk of fire during surgery. Your surgery may be cancelled if you arrive with hair products. Please help us keep you safe.

NO MAKEUP:

Do not wear makeup, especially eye makeup, when you come for your surgery. Your eyes could be injured from mascara flakes falling into them.

NO SMOKING:

Do not smoke or use chewing tobacco after midnight before your surgery. This helps reduce coughing and other irritations after surgery.

DAY OF SURGERY

Medication:

If you take blood pressure, cardiac and seizure medication, you may take it with a small sip of water the morning of your surgery.

If you take blood thinners such as aspirin, Coumadin, Plavix, etc. you must have your cardiologist or primary doctor regulate it.

Arrival:

OUTPATIENT SURGERY (Same Day Surgery) – Arrive 90 minutes before your surgery time.

INPATIENT SURGERY – Arrive 2 hours before your surgery time.

*Be aware and prepared, you may receive a call to come in earlier the day of surgery if the surgeon’s cases move up.

Personal Belongings:

Please leave all jewellery and valuables at home.

CONTACTS AND GLASSES

If you wear contact lenses or glasses, please bring the case. You will not be able to wear contacts or glasses into surgery.

CARE ARRANGEMENTS:

You must arrange to have someone drive you home. You may not drive, under any circumstances, for at least 24 hours after surgery.

REST AND EAT LIGHTLY:

Plan to rest for at least 24 hours after your surgery. Eat lightly and do not drink alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours after surgery. Drink plenty of clear liquids after your surgery.

FOR COLON SURGERIES:

You will be given BOWEL PREP instructions to be taken the day before surgery.

 

If You Have Any Questions Please Feel Free to Call the Office at 201-342-1010