So your doctor has recommended surgery.  We understand that this can be a very difficult time.  We will try our best to make it as comforting and convenient as possible for you.  Please understand that at the same time, surgery whether it is big or small is treated with the same thoroughness and meticulous adherence to safety regulations.  It is important that you follow these instructions strictly.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

BEFORE YOUR SURGERY – HOW TO PREPARE

Scheduling your surgery: 

This is performed by our surgical coordinators, Andrea Vergara and Shem Winters. They will guide you through every aspect of your surgery scheduling. 

Once surgery has been indicated, and if you have not settled on a surgery date, our surgical coordinators may periodically call to check in on you.  Please do not feel this is in any way pressure for you to have surgery, they are merely helping to make sure everything is in order and to answer any further questions that you may have.

Preop Testing: 

Preop testing is a standard procedure that must be performed for all surgeries, designed to make your surgery as safe as possible and to try to weed out potential complications.  It consists of a medical history and physical, blood tests, chest x-ray, and an EKG.  It may also include other special tests depending on your medical history.  Your primary care doctor typically performs this.  If you do not have a primary care doctor, we can provide one that we trust for you.

Keep in mind that preop testing is considered valid for a period of one month.  Therefore, if your surgery is scheduled later than one month after your preop testing is done, or if you are scheduled for multiple surgeries outside of the one-month period, you may need to have your preop testing repeated. 

Eating and drinking prior to surgery: 

You must not have any food or drink of any kind for at least 8 hours prior to your surgery.  Failure to adhere to this very important rule can cause serious anesthetic complications and therefore surgeries will be either delayed or cancelled.   If you are diabetic, or a child, or have any other significant dietary concerns, please address this with your doctor prior to your surgery date.

Medications that are considered essential may be taken the morning of the surgery with a very small sip of water. 

Illegal drugs of any kind must be avoided for at least a week prior to surgery.  Please notify your doctor of any use of illegal drugs.  Physician-patient confidentiality will be strictly adhered to.  Failure to disclose this information can frequently cause serious complications.  Also, smoking causes significantly increased risks with surgery.  Every attempt should be made to try and stop smoking prior to your surgery.