The following general preoperative instructions relate to most procedures we perform. If you have questions about preoperative preparations not answered here, please contact our office.

• Your preoperative interview will be conducted by the facility where your surgery is scheduled. It may be done over the phone or require a visit at the facility.
• Inquire during your preoperative interview about whether to take any of your daily medications the morning of your surgery.
• DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT UNLESS OTHERWISE DIRECTED DURING YOUR PREOPERATIVE INTERVIEW. If you are instructed to take oral medications before surgery, you may do so with a sip of water.
• Preoperative lab tests may be ordered and will be drawn at the facility during the preoperative visit or at an outside lab. These should be completed in a timely manner to ensure results are available before surgery.
• In most cases, stop taking aspirin or NSAID’s such as Advil, Motrin, or Aleve at least 7 days prior to surgery. If you are taking these medications, ask your surgeon for specific instructions.
• Inform your surgeon if you are on Coumadin (Warfarin), Plavix, Lovenox, Xarelto or other prescription blood thinning medications. Stop these medications only at the direction of a physician. In some cases, substitute medications will be prescribed around the time of surgery.
• If you are having colon surgery or you surgeon instructed you to perform a bowel prep prior surgery, click here for instructions.
• Typically, you will be asked to arrive at the surgical facility 1 ½ – 2 hours prior to surgery, although in some cases you will be required to arrive earlier. Late arrivals may cause your surgery to be delayed or cancelled.
• Your surgery time may change, in which case you will be notified as soon as possible.
• Bathe or shower the morning of your procedure to reduce the risk of infection.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easily removed.
• Remove all body piercings.
• Leave all valuables at home including jewelry, watches, money, computers, etc.
• Bring cases for glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, and dentures.
• If you are scheduled for outpatient surgery, arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home. We recommend you have a responsible adult stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.