Surgical Instructions

SURGERY & ANESTHESIA

PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

  • 1. Patients scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation must not eat or drink anything (except to take prescription medication) for at least 6 hours prior to their appointment, and must be accompanied by a licensed driver who will wait in the office until you are ready for discharge.

    2. As directed by your surgeon or physician, you should take all prescription medications (especially for high blood pressure and thyroid) when you normally do with a small sip of water.

    3. The following is a list of common medications, which may affect platelets and may cause significant bleeding during and after surgery. If advised by your doctor, you should stop taking these medications at least 5 days before your surgery: Aspirin (including Baby Aspirin), Motrin, Advil, Aleve or Ibuprofen, Anti-inflammatory or arthritis medications, St. John's Wart, all herbal supplements, and Vitamin E.

    4.  If you are taking a blood thinner such as Coumadin, Warfarin or Plavix and have been advised by your surgeon to stop taking these medications, you should notify the prescribing physician before stopping.

    5. Wear comfortable loose fitting clothing. Make sure your sleeves can easily be rolled up above your elbow.  Short sleeves are preferred.

    6. Do not wear contact lenses if you are having general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.

    7. Prepare cold packs at home by filling two sandwich size zip-lock bags with frozen peas.  Keep the peas in the freezer until you get home. The peas will comfortably mold to your face and stay colder longer than ice.

    8.  Have soft foods available such as yogurt, ice cream, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, Jell-O, mashed potato and soups. You may begin to eat foods that are more solid when you feel ready. 

    9.  Patients having intravenous or general anesthesia should refrain from driving a motor vehicle, physical activities and making important decisions until the following day.

    10. You must notify this office at least 7 days before your appointment if there has been any change in your medical history, medications, cough, and risk of pregnancy or if you have been sick or had a cold within one week of your appointment.

    11. Notify your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications: Fosamax, Boniva, Aredia, Actonel, and Zometa.

    12. The doctor has reserved his time for your surgery.   Please give the office at least 48 hours advanced notice if you will not be keeping your surgical appointment.