Preparing for Surgery

A pre-surgical clinic appointment is necessary to evaluate your health before your surgery and anesthesia. A registered nurse will visit with you, assess your health and provide you with information regarding your upcoming surgery, anesthesia and postoperative care. This appointment may include:

• Additional testing - X-ray, lab work or EKG, for example.
• Discussion about medications - Please bring a complete list of your medications to this appointment. This should include prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies with information about dosages, frequency and why you take the medication. Your nurse will tell you which of your medications to take on the day of surgery. Also, bring along a list of your allergies as this will affect planning for your surgery.
• Exercise recommendations - You may be advised to do certain breathing and coughing exercises before or after surgery to speed your recovery.

When you pack for the hospital, bring:

• A container to protect your contact lenses or eyeglasses while you are in surgery.
• Personal care items you think you will need such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, brush and comb, denture cup and cleaner, special soap and deodorant.
• A list of all medications you are taking at home, including over-the-counter and herbal remedies, as well as dosage information and time last taken.
• A list of your allergies.
• All papers your physician has given you, as well as your insurance card, other related forms and a photo ID.
• Documents such as a living will or durable power of attorney for healthcare decisions, if you have them. Your instructions can be followed only if copies of these documents are in your medical file.

Leave all cash, credit cards and valuables at home. Do not wear jewelry, body piercings, makeup or nail polish or use deodorant or lotion the day of your surgery.

Follow the instructions provided at your pre-surgical appointment, including these important guidelines:

• Do not drink, eat or take anything by mouth after midnight on the day you are scheduled for surgery unless specifically instructed by your doctor or pre-surgical clinic nurse. This includes gum, cough drops and mints. Food or liquids may lead to complications with anesthesia.
• Do not smoke or chew tobacco after midnight. Do not drink alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours before and after your surgery.
• Practice your breathing exercises and other exercises suggested by your nurse.
• Bathe or shower before coming to the hospital. This will decrease the amount of bacteria on your skin and lower the risk of infection. Your pre-surgical clinic nurse may provide you with special soap to use as appropriate. Do not apply deodorant or lotion.
• Get your normal amount of sleep the night before you come to the hospital.
• Brush your teeth, but do not swallow any water.
• Notify your physician if you have a cold, fever or illness.
• Arrive at the hospital on time.
• Arrange for a ride to and from the hospital.

In some cases, your doctor may order tests if they were not completed before your admission. Approximately two hours before surgery, you’ll be taken to a private room in the pre-surgical care unit (PSCU). Family members and friends may accompany you. If you have not previously done so, you will be asked to read and sign a form giving permission for your doctor(s) to perform the scheduled surgery. If you’re under the age of 18, the form must be signed by your parent or legal guardian.

In preparation for surgery, you will be asked to remove all clothing and put on a hospital gown. For your safety, you must also remove:

• Nail polish, makeup and false eyelashes
• Body piercings
• Contact lenses and eyeglasses
• Hairpieces
• Artificial limbs
• Dentures or partial plates

Your surgical team will care for all your medical needs and communicate with family members:

• An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted before going to surgery to provide fluids and medications.
• In the pre-surgical care unit (PSCU), you’ll meet anesthesia staff, a PSCU nurse and a surgical nurse, who will review your health history and answer your questions.
• Before receiving anesthesia, your anesthesia provider and the surgical nurse will explain the monitoring equipment used during your procedure.
• The specific type of anesthetic you’ll receive will be determined in consultation with the anesthesiologist, a doctor who specializes in caring for vital functions and controlling pain during surgery.
• Family members will be directed to the surgery family room, where a volunteer will greet them and help answer their questions.
• You’ll be taken to the operating room by your anesthesia provider, who will provide support and ensure your comfort and privacy during surgery.
• The anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will observe you continuously throughout your surgery and monitor your progress and check on you in recovery.

Because it is often difficult for small children to sit quietly for a long time, we suggest having family or friends take care of them during your surgery, if possible.

After surgery, you’ll be taken to the recovery room, where you will stay until you awaken. The surgeon will talk with your family when your surgery is complete.

• If you’re going home after surgery, you’ll be taken to the outpatient recovery area until it’s time for you to be discharged.
• If you’re staying in the hospital, the recovery room staff will notify your family members when you leave recovery to go to your room.
• When you arrive in your room, your family and friends will be asked to wait in the hall until you are settled in and comfortable.
• A care plan will be developed specifically for you. Because every patient is unique, your care plan may slightly differ from those of others who’ve had the same surgery.
• Nurses will frequently check your blood pressure, pulse, dressings and IV lines and tubes.
• Tell your doctor or nurse about any pain that won’t go away. While some discomfort is normal, you may need medication if you’re too uncomfortable. Your nurses may ask you to measure your pain on a scale of 0 to 10. Reporting your pain as a number helps your doctors and nurses know how well your pain management is working and whether to make any changes.

We welcome the opportunity to include family and friends in discussions about how you should care for yourself at home. If you do not want others included, please let us know.

Before you leave, your nurse will give you verbal and written instructions about how to take care of yourself at home, including information about activities, diet, medications, special care and follow-up visits. If you have questions or concerns, your nurse can help.

You may have been given exercises to help with recovery during your pre-surgical clinical appointment. It’s important to do these as instructed to prevent complications, such as pneumonia. If you do not understand how to do the exercises, ask your nurse or call us with follow-up questions.

Deep breathing exercises

1. Get in a comfortable position.
2. If your incision is going to be on your chest or abdomen, remember to place a pillow or folded blanket over your incision for support.
3. Breathe in slowly and deeply.
4. Breathe out slowly.

Coughing exercises

1. Get in a comfortable position.
2. If your incision is going to be on your chest or abdomen, remember to place a pillow or folded blanket over your incision for support.
3. Take three deep, slow breaths with your mouth open.
4. Breathe out.
5. Take another deep, slow breath, then cough.

Your nurse may recommend other exercises in addition to these.