It is perfectly normal to feel nervous about surgery.
Our providers and staff are here to keep you comfortable and safe throughout your procedure. Please ask questions to any of our staff and learn all that you can about your surgery and the recovery process. The information provided here does not replace the advice of your doctor. Always follow the recommendations of your surgeon.
What can I eat prior to surgery?
Patients who are awake may eat and drink normally. Any patient undergoing oral or intravenous sedation cannot eat or drink anything for 8 hours prior to surgery. This is to avoid food from your stomach getting into your lungs after you are asleep leading to serious complications.
If the patient is a small child or infant, please ask your doctor for specific instructions on what to eat or drink prior to surgery.
Do I need to stop my medications?
Some medications can interact with our sedation medications or increase your risk of bleeding. Your doctor will tell you if you need to stop any medications prior to surgery. Unless otherwise directed by your surgeon, you should generally take any blood pressure medication, seizure medication, heart medicine, or breathing treatments or inhalers the morning of surgery. You may take any necessary medicine with a small sip of water prior to your procedure.
How do I prepare before surgery?
Take a shower or bath the night before or the morning of your surgery. Brush your teeth. Wear loose, comfortable clothing with easy access to your arms. Do not wear flip flops or high heels. Do not wear make-up, nail polish, or contact lenses. Do not wear a watch or jewelry. Leave any valuables at home.
What if I catch a cold or become sick prior to surgery?
We want you to be safe. Respiratory infections can increase your risk of being put to sleep. The physiologic effects of the infection can linger in the lungs much longer than the symptoms are felt. Some infections that cause a sore throat can get into your wound and lead to life-threatening surgical site infections.
If you have a respiratory infection or a sore throat prior to surgery please call our office. We will discuss your symptoms and determine if surgery should be rescheduled.
What should I expect the day of surgery?
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment and register at the front desk. You will be asked to verify the procedure being performed and take care of any financial responsibilities. Family or friends can stay with you until it is time for surgery.
After registration you will be taken to the surgical suite where you will be prepared for surgery. Staff will check your blood pressure and pulse. If you plan to undergo sedation an intravenous catheter will be placed as well as monitors to check your breathing, heart rate, oxygen level, and blood pressure. Your surgeon will complete a brief health review and confirm the planned procedure with you.
What should I expect after sedation?
When used during surgery, sedation is intended to decrease awareness and provide a more comfortable experience. As the sedation medications wear off most patients feel drowsy with little memory of the surgery. You will feel numb in the area of surgery. Some patients report a dry mouth. Nausea can rarely occur and our surgeons will often provide preventative anti-nausea medications to help you feel better. Once you feel alert you will be moved to a recovery area where your friends or family may join you. We will review any important information with you and your ride about the surgery and any necessary wound care instructions.
Do I need someone to take me home?
Patients who are awake may drive home after surgery. Patients who undergo sedation should not drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours after surgery. Plan to have someone available the day of surgery to take you to our office, stay in the building during your procedure, and take you home afterwards. This person will also need to help you get any necessary medications from the pharmacy and make sure you get home safely. Patients may not take a taxi or ridesharing service home after sedation without an escort present.
