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PATIENT INFO: Getting Ready for Surgery

Lists: Be sure to provide your surgeon with information regarding all other physicians you are currently seeing. Also, make a list of all the medications you take, including aspirin, herbal remedies and other non-prescription medications, as well as the specific dosage of each.

Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and aspirin tend to make it harder for blood to clot. Follow your physician’s instructions for suspending these and herbal medications before surgery.

Smoking: To prepare your lungs for anesthesia and to decrease your risk of post-surgical complications, we encourage you to stop smoking at least two weeks before surgery. North Seattle Surgery Center is a non-smoking facility. Patients, visitors and staff may not smoke anywhere on the campus. If you feel this will be a problem for you, please ask the admitting nurse about resources that can help you stop smoking.

Preparing at home: An admitting nurse will contact you prior to surgery with instructions on preparing for surgery. These instructions may include:

  • Shower with antibacterial soap the night before or the morning of your surgery. This helps prevent infections, and will help you feel more comfortable if you are not able to bathe for a few days.
  • You may brush your teeth the day of the surgery, but do not swallow any water.
  • You must follow the instructions your physician and nurses have given you about eating, drinking and taking your medications. Please do not chew gum or suck on any candy the day of your surgery. If you do not follow these restrictions, your surgery may have to be postponed.
  • Wear very little or no make-up and no mascara before surgery.

Bring With You:

  • Insurance cards and forms
  • Dentures, glasses with case, contact lenses with case and fluid if necessary, hearing aid
  • Advance Directive, if you have one
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing

Do Not Bring With You:

  • Valuables
  • Watches
  • Jewelry (other than rings)
  • Money

Since you may need to pick up prescriptions when you leave the surgery center, make sure your escort has the means to purchase them on the way home. Alternatively, ask your surgeon for your prescription ahead of time so you can fill it prior to your surgery.

The North Seattle Surgery Center is not responsible for any lost or damaged belongings.

The Day of Surgery:

  • Please arrive at North Seattle Surgery Center at least one hour before your scheduled surgery. This allows enough time for the admission process and gives you a chance to go over any questions you may have.

  • Family and friends can remain in the reception room until you have changed clothes, and then will be allowed to stay with you until you are taken in to surgery. They are welcome to remain in the waiting room until you are out of surgery. The surgeon usually updates your family once the procedure is completed.

  • You will meet your anesthesiologist in the pre-surgical area. Your anesthesiologist will explain the type of anesthesia used for your surgery. Let him or her know if you have had any problems with anesthesia in the past.

 


 

Important Things to Remember as You Get Ready for Surgery

Let your surgeon know immediately if you experience any change in symptoms before surgery, including mild colds, flu and other illnesses. Even minor illnesses may require a delay of your surgery.

The night before surgery, do not eat solid food after midnight. You may drink clear liquids, like water, tea, coffee without cream or milk, 7-UP or Sprite. You may not drink anything for three hours before surgery.

Make arrangements for an adult to drive you home from North Seattle Surgery Center or accompany you in a taxi. It’s also recommended that an adult stay with you for the 24 hours following your surgery.