How to Prepare for a Surgery

Preparing for surgery is an important part of your care. It can make things go more smoothly and help you avoid complications. The steps leading up to surgery may vary among hospitals.

Follow all instructions given to you by your health care providers. Ask questions if you do not understand something. Talk about any concerns that you have.

Here are some questions to consider asking before your surgery:

• If my surgery is not an emergency (is elective), when would be the best time to have the surgery?
• What arrangements do I need to make for work, home, or school?
• What will my recovery be like? How long will it be before I can return to normal activities?
• Will I need to prepare my home? Will I need to arrange care for me or my children?
• Should I expect to have pain after surgery? What are my pain management options? Are there nonmedical options that I can try for pain?

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any surgeries you have had.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

The risks and complications of surgery depend on the specific procedure that you have. Discuss all the risks with your health care providers before your surgery. Ask about common surgical complications, which may include:

• Infection.
• Bleeding or a need for blood replacement (transfusion).
• Allergic reactions to medicines.
• Damage to surrounding nerves, tissues, or structures.
• A blood clot.
• Scarring.
• Failure of the surgery to correct the problem.

Follow these instructions before the procedure:

Several days or weeks before your procedure

• You may have a physical exam by your primary health care provider to make sure it is safe for you to have surgery.
• You may have testing. This may include a chest X-ray, blood and urine tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), or other testing.
• Ask your health care provider about:
  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
  • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines unless your health care provider tells you to take them.
  • Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Avoid alcohol, or limit your alcohol intake to no more than 1 drink a day for nonpregnant women and 2 drinks a day for men. One drink equals 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1½ oz of hard liquor.
• Ask your health care provider if there are exercises you can do to prepare for surgery.
• Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes low-fat dairy products, low-fat (lean) meats, and fiber from whole grains, beans, and lots of fruits and vegetables.
• Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.
• Plan to have a responsible adult care for you for at least 24 hours after you leave the hospital or clinic. This is important.

The day before your procedure

• You may be given antibiotic medicine to take by mouth to help prevent infection. Take it as told by your health care provider.
• You may be asked to shower with a germ-killing soap.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating and drinking restrictions.

The day of your procedure

• You may need to take another shower with a germ-killing soap before you leave home in the morning.
• With a small sip of water, take only the medicines that you are told to take.
• Do not wear any makeup, nail polish, powder, deodorant, lotion, jewelry, hair accessories, or anything on your skin or body except your clothes.
• If you will be staying in the hospital, bring a case to hold your glasses, contacts, or dentures. You may also want to bring your robe and non-skid footwear.
• If instructed by your health care provider, bring your sleep apnea device with you on the day of your surgery (if this applies to you).
• Arrive at the hospital as scheduled.
• Bring a friend or family member with you who can help to answer questions and be present while you meet with your health care provider.

At the hospital

• When you arrive at the hospital, you will likely:
  • Go to the reception desk to notify staff that you have arrived.
  • Move to the preoperative and preparation areas before going to the operating room.
• You may have to wear compression stockings. These help to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling in your legs.
• An IV may be inserted into one of your veins.
• In the operating room, you may be given one or more of the following:
  • A medicine to help you relax (sedative).
  • A medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic).
  • A medicine to make you fall asleep (general anesthetic).
  • A medicine that is injected into an area of your body to numb everything below the injection site (regional anesthetic).
• Your surgical site will be marked or identified.
• You may be given an antibiotic through your IV to help prevent infection.

Contact a health care provider if you:

• Develop a fever of more than 100.4°F (38°C) or other feelings of illness during the 48 hours before your surgery.
• Have symptoms that get worse.
• Have questions or concerns about your surgery.

Summary

• Preparing for surgery can make the procedure go more smoothly and lower your risk of complications.
• Before surgery, make a list of questions and concerns to discuss with your surgeon. Ask about the risks and possible complications.
• In the days or weeks before your surgery, follow all instructions from your health care provider. You may need to stop smoking, avoid alcohol, follow eating restrictions, and change or stop your regular medicines.
• Contact your surgeon if you develop a fever or other signs of illness during the few days before your surgery.