Preparing for Your Surgery With Anesthesia

• To help prevent infection, bathe or shower before coming to surgery and wear fresh apparel.
• Please leave all valuables at home, including watches, rings and other jewelry.
• Do not use deodorant, powder, lotion, cologne or perfume. Remove all make-up prior to coming to surgery.
• Please remove tampons and use a sanitary napkin.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes that are easy to remove and put on.
• Bring reading glasses if needed. Contact lenses cannot be worn to surgery.

We require that you arrive 1 hour before the time your surgery is scheduled to begin. It is important for you to arrive promptly to allow adequate time for pre-surgical check in. Please bring your insurance card and driver's license.

Please bring a list of all medications you are regularly taking, and any drug allergies or intolerances you have.

Do not eat or drink anything 8 hours before your surgery. This means NO food, liquids or candy. (Only your regular medications with a small sip of water are ok.) NO alcohol, sedatives or illicit drugs 8 hours before surgery. Otherwise, your surgery will be cancelled and rescheduled for your safety.

Stop all aspirin, vitamin E and other blood thinners 7 days before surgery. If you are on Coumadin or Warfarin, please clarify your specific instructions with your MD.

Every patient receiving a general anesthetic will require the assistance of a responsible adult for transportation home and for 24 hours following surgery. No surgery will be performed unless these arrangements have been made.

We require that one relative or friend stay within the Surgery Center for the pre-surgical meeting with the anesthesiologist. Afterward, they should stay within range of a cell phone.

Minors (under age 18) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can sign the consent form and remain within the Surgery Center until the patient is discharged.

If you become ill prior to your surgery, or if your medications or health status changes, please call your physician immediately. This includes fever with no other symptoms.