We know that surgery can seem scary, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is knowing what to expect and having a caring team on your side to guide you every step of the way. We wholeheartedly believe in educating our patients to appropriately prepare them for their surgeries.
10-14 days prior to surgery
- Discontinue any blood-thinners under the supervision of your cardiologist/prescribing medical professional. Do not stop this medication without their consent.
- In the event your doctor believes it is unsafe to discontinue any of these medications (Plavix, Clopidogrel, Warfarin, Coumadin, Pradaxa, Xarelto, Rivaroxaban, Aggrenox, Dipyridamole, Ticlid, Aspirin and Fish/Krill Oil) notify our office immediately.
7 days prior to surgery
To decrease the risk of bleeding, discontinue anti-inflammatory medications and alcohol drinks.
Here is a list of some, but not all of these medications:
- Prednisone
- Aspirin
- Bufferin
- Nabumetone
- Ibuprofen
- Ketoprofen
- Naproxen
- Diclofenac
- Indomethacin
- Etodolac
- Piroxicam
- Meloxicam
- Oxaprozin
- Celecoxib
Discontinue any appetite suppressants, all herbal supplements and any Vitamin E beyond what is included in a multivitamin supplement.
Patients scheduled for an anterior lumbar procedure, 7 days prior to surgery begin taking Miralax powder as directed per labeling.
Day Before Surgery
- Notify our office immediately in the event you develop cold or flu-like symptoms, have a temperature, a cough or any other illness between now and surgery
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to surgery
Morning of Surgery
- It is mandatory to shower or bathe at home the morning of your surgery
- You may brush your teeth, however do not swallow the water
- Do not use chewing gum, breath mints or any type of tobacco/nicotine products
- Do not wear make-up, lotion, cream or perfume/cologne the day of surgery
- Do not wear contact lenses, hair pins or wigs
- Do not bring any money or valuables with you to the hospital/surgery center as they are not liable for any item lost during your stay at the facility
- Hearing aids may be left in during surgery
- Dentures will be removed prior to surgery
- Bring loose fitting, comfortable clothing, i.e., button-up shirts, elastic pants or shorts and slip-on shoes with a rubber sole
- Please make sure to have a responsible adult available to drive you home. You will not be able to drive yourself home
- Please no children in the center. This is for the safety of your children and for patient privacy
- You may take blood pressure medications, Tylenol (Acetaminophen), Gabapentin or Lyrica with a small sip of water
- Duragesic (Fentanyl) patches do not need to be removed
Insulin dependent diabetics: Do not take your insulin if surgery is scheduled for early morning and you are fasting. In the event that you have an afternoon surgery and have been instructed to eat a light breakfast, take half of your normal insulin dose.
