WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE SURGERY

Your surgery is scheduled on:

 ______________________ (date)

at ______________(time)

For your surgery, please report to:

Mother Frances Hospital - 800 E. Dawson
Report to the registration area in the front lobby two (2) hours before your scheduled surgery

Tyler Square Outpatient Surgery - 415 S. Fleishel
Report to the registration area in the front lobby one (1) hour before scheduled surgery

To expedite registration, please have your insurance card and pertinent identification with you and documentation of guardianship for children.

Things you need to know:

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery unless otherwise instructed by your physician.  This includes the use of gum, mints, water, coffee and soft drinks.
• If you smoke, do not smoke after midnight or the morning of scheduled surgery.  This is important to prevent post-procedure respiratory conditions.
• Shower the night before and the morning of surgery using Hibiclens? soap, also known as Chlorhexadine.  Hibiclens? is available at all local pharmacies without a prescription.  If you do not have Hibiclens?, bathe in an antibacterial soap.
• Medications - Stop all herbal supplements and diet aids.  Stop all blood thinners (Coumadin, Plavix, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Aspirin) unless otherwise instructed by your physician.  You should take all heart and blood pressure medications or medications ordered for colon surgery as directed, the morning of surgery, with a small sip of water.  Remember to bring a list of your current medications . 
• Men should shave the evening prior to surgery.  Women should not shave their legs 2-3 days prior to surgery.
• Fingernails - you may wear polish; however leave one finger without polish as it will be used to monitor your oxygen saturation.
• Dress casually - wear clothing that is loose fitting and comfortable.
• If you become ill or have fever the day before surgery, notify your physician immediately .
• Leave personal valuables, such as jewelry, money, and credit cards, at home.  You may wear your glasses, dentures or contact lenses (don't forget a case for storage), but they should be given to your family for safekeeping while you are in surgery.
• A parent or legal guardian must stay with pediatric patients during the entire stay.  Bring a favorite toy to make the stay more comfortable.
• If you are scheduled to stay overnight, please leave belongings in your vehicle until your room assignment has been made.

Going Home:

• If your surgery is an outpatient procedure, you can expect to leave the facility within 2 hours after the procedure.
• A responsible adult who can drive you home must accompany you at the time of discharge. You cannot drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after your outpatient surgery.  Please make arrangements for a driver before the surgery .
• If you are having major surgery, you should plan to have someone at home to help with your care after discharge.  If you need support with discharge planning, ask your nurse to schedule a visit with a case manager while you are here.