Preparing for Surgery

Preparations for surgery depend on your diagnosis. Your physician will discuss with you how to prepare for your surgery. However, if you will undergo general anesthesia, you may be asked to do the following:

• stop drinking and eating for a certain period of time before the time of surgery
• bathe or clean, and possibly shave the area to be operated on
• undergo various blood tests, x-rays, electrocardiograms, or other procedures necessary for surgery
• sometimes a patient may be asked to take an enema the evening before surgery, to empty the bowels. Please check with your physician.
• do not wear makeup the day of surgery
• do not wear nail polish
• do not wear your eye contacts
• leave valuables and jewelry at home
• advise the medical staff of dentures or other prosthetic devices you may be wearing

Often, to make their experience more comfortable and efficient, patients are advised to bring the following:

• loose-fitting clothes to wear
• Social Security card number
• insurance information
• Medicare or Medicaid card