Pre-operative care is imperative for successful outcomes when undergoing surgery.
It is very important to follow restrictions like what medicines you can ingest as well as preparations.
Our goal is that we make your surgery at HMU both successful and as comfortable as possible! In order to do that, we need your help with our preoperative plan.
Medicines
Many medicines interfere with our ability to perform surgery. One week prior to surgery you should stop all aspirin medicines as well as ibuprofen, etodolac, ketorolac, maproxen, and naproxen. On the morning of your surgery, do not take digitalis medicines, oral anti-diabetes medicines, glyburide, glypizide, tolazamide, or tolbutamide.
Do not take your morning insulin dose if you are driving a long distance to our clinic or if your surgery is in the afternoon. You may take one-half of your usual morning insulin dose if those conditions do not apply to you.
You can take all of your other usual morning doses of regularly prescribed medicines. Use your asthma inhalers and bring them with you to the hospital.
Before ingesting any medicines, read the labels carefully. Better yet, call HMU and consult an anesthesiologist. It is helpful to bring your medications and a copy of your current medical problem list from your primary care physician.
Self-Care
Please follow these steps carefully prior to your surgery to help ensure your procedure goes as smoothly as possible.
Contact Your Surgeon or Physician Prior to Your Surgery Date if:
- You are not sure what time to arrive at the center on the day of your procedure
- You experience any changes in your health between your most recent visit to your physician and the day of your procedure, even minor ones like a temperature, cough or a cold
- You suspect that you are pregnant; Anesthesia and medication may be harmful to the developing fetus
- You have a latex allergy, diabetes, heart conditions, kidney or liver failure
After Midnight the Day Before Your Surgery:
- Do not smoke
- Do not eat anything (including gum, mints, hard candy). Undigested food in the stomach can cause complications and your surgery is likely to be postponed
On the Morning of Your Surgery:
- Take a bath or shower and brush your teeth
- Remove all makeup, jewelry, and contacts. If you must wear contacts, please bring your storage case for use during surgery
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can accommodate a bandage, cast, or other type of dressing where the procedure is being performed
Items to Bring on the Day of Your Surgery:
- All insurance cards. It is important for us to have all the current and correct information
- A government issued photo ID such as a driver’s license
- Your form of payment, if required
- A copy of your consent forms and an Advance Directive if you have one. Your signature will be required in accordance with your particular procedure
- If you take insulin, bring the bottle of insulin and syringes with you
- Arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you to the Center, receive discharge instructions, and drive you home. It is recommended that someone stay with you for the first 24 hours following surgery
- Limit the number of people who accompany you to the Center
Lastly, please leave all jewelry, cash and valuables at home. We cannot be responsible for their safety.
This information is very important to read thoroughly and follow carefully for the most successful surgery outcomes. We are ready to answer any questions or concerns you have about a surgery HMU performs, please call us at (713) 351-0630.
