Pre-surgical testing
Please report to the hospital at your scheduled appointment time with your doctor's orders and any medications you are currently taking.
Day of surgery
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to your surgery. This includes water, candy, gum, coffee, etc. If you eat or drink, your surgery will be postponed. We recommend that you do not drink any alcoholic beverages or smoke for 24 hours prior to surgery. You should bring a list of your current medications, with dosages you take, and a list of any drug or other allergies. If you take medications for high blood pressure, diabetes or nervous disorders, follow your surgeon's instructions about these. If you use an inhaler, please bring it with you.
Notify your doctor if you develop a cold, sore throat, cough, fever or any other illness prior to surgery. Male patients should shave in their normal fashion on day of surgery. Patients should remove all jewelry (including rings), nail polish, make-up, wigs, false eyelashes and contact lenses. It may be necessary for a family member or friend to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after the surgery.
All patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult for both pre-surgical testing and surgery. You should not drive, sign important papers, or make critical decisions for at least 24 hours after surgery. Follow the instructions your surgeon gives about diet, rest, and medications following surgery. If you have any complications following your surgery, you should contact your surgeon or report to the emergency department.