Pre-Operative Instructions

  • Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours prior to your surgery. If you are having surgery in the morning, do not eat or drink (even water) after midnight the night before. This includes: candy, water, and chewing gum. This is very important so that we can ensure you have a safe surgery without complications.

  • A responsible adult needs to bring you to your appointment and stay with you at all times for at least 24 hours after your surgery. Your driver must be present in the waiting area throughout your entire procedure. Do not use transportation services (lyft, uber, etc), unless someone is with you to watch over you.

  • Wear comfortable clothing to your surgery. You may want to go home and sleep right after your procedure. It is best to wear a short-sleeve shirt. This makes it easier to gain access to your IV site and place monitors. Wear shoes that tie so that they do not slip off during or after your surgery.

  • Remove any fake nails, acrylic, solar, gel, or any dark nail polish. This may interfere with the pulse-oximeter monitor, which will be placed on the tip of your finger. Also please take off all jewelry and do not bring any personal/valuable belongings. We are not responsible for any lost items.

  • Most of your routine medications can be taken with a small sip of water. If you are taking any medications, please notify your surgeon, so we can instruct you on whether or not to take your medications.

  • Avoid anything that can increase bleeding for one week prior to your surgery. This includes ginseng, gingoba, garlic, vitamin E, energy drinks, aspirin, and advil/motrin products. See your primary care physician to help manage your blood thinner medications, if you are on any of them.

  • Take your prophylactic antibiotics 1 hour prior to surgery, if you are prescribed them. If you have a prosthetic joint such as a hip or joint replacement, or, if you have a history of subacute bacterial endocarditis or heart valve replacement, then you will need antibiotics prior to surgery.

  • If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, have had any adverse reactions to anesthesia in the past, have a recent cough, trouble breathing, virus, or cold, then you must inform your surgeon immediately. Your procedure may be modified or delayed.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the office at 301-982-4555.