PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
- Secure Medical clearance from your primary Physician
- Call the hospital 2 days prior to confirm time.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This includes water, ice chips, breath mints, hard candy, and gum.
- You must have a responsible adult to accompany you home and remain with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. You will not be allowed to take public transportation/metro bus home under any circumstance. If you take a taxi, there must be a responsible adult to accompany you.
- Do not smoke before or after your surgery.
- Leave all valuables at home. This includes jewelry, cash, credit cards, and checkbooks.
- If you wear contact lenses, leave them at home or bring a case and solution with you. You will need to remove them if you are having any type of anesthesia or sedation. This includes extended wear contacts.
- Wear loose comfortable clothing. Shorts or sweat suits are appropriate for most types of surgery. If you are having surgery on your shoulder, elbow, or hand be sure to wear a large, loose fitting shirt. (a button-up shirt is the best).
- If you take daily medications or insulin consult your physician and the hospital anesthesia department for instructions for the day of your surgery. You may want to bring your own insulin with you for post-operative administration.
- Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing medications for 10 days prior to your surgery unless your surgeon advises you otherwise. Be sure to notify your physician if you take these types of medications on a regular basis.
- If you are having surgery which will require using crutches post-operatively, bring your crutches if you have them. If you do not have any, they will be ordered for you.
- If you are a minor (under 18 years of age), you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. He or she will be required to sign the admissions agreement and permits for your surgery. If you come with a legal guardian, you must bring a copy of guardianship papers with you.
- You will receive individualized instructions for post-operative care at the time of your discharge.
- The doctor does not routinely visit family members after surgery unless there is a problem. You may make a special request on the day of surgery. The doctor should be notified who to speak to and where they can be contacted.