Your pre-operative evaluation and planning appointment

Before your surgery, you will be asked to come to our hospital for a pre-operative evaluation and planning appointment. Generally, you can eat, drink or take medications like you normally do before the appointment. However, if your doctor has ordered further tests before or after this appointment, you may have some diet restrictions.

A pre-operative evaluation can take anywhere from one to two hours. During this time, we will:

  • Collect registration information
  • Take a medical history
  • Evaluate your risk factors
  • Run necessary lab tests
  • Provide you with written instructions for the day of surgery
  • Answer questions
  • Arrange for any further tests that may be necessary

During the appointment, we’ll ask you to bring the following:

  • Your medications or a list of medications including the dose and when you take them (include all over-the-counter medications)
  • The name of your primary care physician, along with their office phone.
  • Name and phone number of any institution where you have had recent blood tests, EKGs, stress tests, echocardiograms or chest X-rays
  • If you have recently seen a cardiologist, a letter regarding your cardiac status and copies of any current test results
  • Implant information cards for devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators
  • All current insurance cards
  • Your Advance Directive if you want it placed in your hospital record
  • If applicable, your paperwork that shows power of attorney, guardianship or adoption information

Before your surgery

You’ll receive a call within one to two business days before your surgery. During this call, we’ll answer any last-minute questions and tell you what time you need to arrive at the hospital for your surgery.

Your safety during the procedure is most important to us. Please note that your surgery may have to be rescheduled if you don’t follow the surgery checklist instructions because it will make anesthesia unsafe. And of course, let us know immediately if your condition changes or you become ill before surgery.

On the morning of your surgery, please shower or bathe before leaving for the hospital. Follow any pre-operative instructions such as showering with a special soap (Dyna-hex).

Don’t wear any makeup, lotions, perfumes, jewelry or acrylic nails. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. If you are having a procedure on your upper body or head, a button down shirt is recommended. If you are having a lower extremity surgery, loose-fitting pants or shorts are recommended. Slip-on or athletic footwear is best. Please don’t bring any valuables, such as jewelry and money.

Here’s a look at the “do’s and don’ts” regarding food, beverages and medications before surgery:

  • Food and beverages: Each surgery is different, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about what’s right for you. But generally, don’t drink any alcoholic beverages 24 hours before your surgery. Don’t eat any solid foods (including candy, mints or gum) after midnight the night before your surgery. Don’t drink any liquids (including water) the night before your surgery. In the morning, you can brush your teeth before the surgery, but don’t swallow any water.
  • Medications: During your pre-operative evaluation and planning appointment, you’ll be instructed on what medicine you can or can’t take before surgery. If you are taking any blood thinning medication or diabetes medicine, consult your surgeon regarding whether or not to stop. You’re free to use your inhaler and/or eye drops unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

When you come to the hospital, you’ll want to bring a complete list of all medications you take that lists the strength, dose and frequency. If you have Medicare, bring medication in the original bottles. If you will be staying in the hospital overnight, bring hearing aids, a glasses

case, denture container or CPAP machine, if instructed. We will provide toiletries, but you are welcome to bring your own.

In addition, you’ll want to bring a copy of your Advance Directive. Bring your insurance or Medicare identification cards and any special pre-authorization paperwork related to your procedure. A photo ID for registration is necessary, too.

Remember to have a responsible driver other than yourself to drive you home from the hospital. For more information, learn more about what you can expect on the day of your surgery.

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