Pre-Op Instructions

Surgery Instructions

For any surgery you should have nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before.  If your doctor approves, you may have certain medications with a sip of water the morning of surgery. You may brush your teeth in the morning, but do not drink any water. No mints, chewing gum or ice chips. The facility Pre-Op Nurse may give alternate instructions, if so follow the facility instructions.

If time allows stop taking aspirin, NSAIDS (ibuprofen, naproxen) and herbal supplements including fish oil, DHA and Omega3 one week prior to your surgery. You may take acetaminophen.

If you smoke or use tobacco, try not to smoke or use tobacco for one week before surgery. Definitely do not smoke or use tobacco after midnight before surgery.

In addition to these instructions you may need one of the following bowel preps.

Magnesium Citrate – Drink one bottle of magnesium citrate 24 hours prior to surgery. After drinking that, consume only clear liquids the rest of the day. Clear liquids include water, any juice you can see through, broth, soft drinks, Gatorade, coffee or tea (no milk or cream or creamer), popsicles, and jell-o. Do not drink any alcohol the day before the surgery.

Clear Liquids Only – See list above.
            _______ 24 hours before surgery
            _______ Liquid dinner the night before surgery
            _______ Other: _______________________________________

Fleets Enema – Available over the counter. Use as directed.
            _______ At bedtime the night before surgery
            _______ The morning of surgery

The morning of your surgery you may take a bath or shower. You may use deodorant, but avoid excessive use of lotions, oils and powder. Do not wear perfume or make-up. Do not wear contact lenses and take a case for eyeglasses. Do not wear jewelry.

For in-patient procedures take as little as possible to the hospital, perhaps a robe and slippers, and a small toiletry bag. Do not take valuables to the hospital!

Bring your INSURANCE CARD and ID.

For out-patient procedures you must have an adult to drive you home.

Arrival times:         

• Riverside Methodist Hospital: Two hours before surgery       
• Ohio State University Medical Center: Two hours before surgery
• UASC: One hour before surgery (For a 7:30 a.m. surgery arrive at 6:00 a.m.)
• Knightsbridge Surgery Center: One hour before surgery

Please note you may receive an email or phone reminder about your procedure. This reminder may give our office address instead of the hospital or surgery center. Please disregard the office address and report for surgery as instructed.