Preoperative General Instructions

Understanding Your Preoperative Responsibilities:

The thought of having surgery can be frightening; therefore, to make your surgical experience pleasant and safe the following information will guide you in preparation for your procedure. It is important for you to follow these and any other instructions given to you by your anesthesiologist, surgeon or related nursing personnel.

• Do not eat or drink for six hours prior to your surgical appointment! It is unnecessary to fast longer than that.
  Please note that this also includes water and other clear liquids, lozenges, mints, chewing gum, hard candy, etc. Food and drink in your system while you are sedated is dangerous. If you eat or drink within the forbidden period specified above, your surgery will most likely be cancelled
• Do not drink any alcohol or smoke for 24 hours prior to surgery
• Discuss previous medical & surgical illness, present medications and allergies with the anesthesia team before surgery.
• Brush your teeth before you come in.
• If you use mouthwash, do not swallow it.
• Take your usual morning medications, unless otherwise directed by the Anesthesia Team, at least two hours before surgery with a small sip of water.
• Do not take aspirin or any other blood thinners for seven days prior to your surgery, unless you have discussed daily aspirin therapy with your doctor.
• No smoking for 2 Weeks after your surgery.
• Do not drive your own car on the day of your surgery. You must bring a responsible person to accept postoperative instructions and drive you home. Remember, you are not to drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours after anesthesia.
• Wear loose fitting clothing, slacks or short sleeves.Avoid high heels, henna and colored nail polish.
• Do not wear perfume, body lotion or jewellery.
• Remove any dentures, removable bridges, contact lenses, retainers or other prosthetic devices that may dislodge and cause a complication or injury during surgery.
  If you must wear contact lenses, glasses, dentures, etc, to the hospital, then please bring a container to store these items. Glasses are helpful to bring since using contacts can be difficult when you initially awaken in the recovery room
• Sign consent for surgery and anesthesia. If you are under the age of 18, you must bring your parent(s) or guardian with you to your surgery, or prior arrangements must be made for us to obtain written consent prior to your surgery.
• If you are unable to keep your appointment, please notify IMMEDIATELY.
• If you develop fever, cough, cold, or chest congestion, or otherwise become ill, call to reschedule your surgery. You may not have an intravenous anesthetic with upper respiratory symptoms.