IMPORTANT: Click here to download the Pre-Surgery Instructions Packet!

Please confirm the time of your surgery. Two days before surgery call your surgeon’s office manager. If your surgery is on a Monday, you need to confirm on Friday.

Preparing for Surgery

Pre-operative testing (i.e. blood work, chest x-rays, EKGs, stress tests, and pulmonary function studies) will be required prior to surgery. All testing must be completed 2 – 4 weeks prior to surgery.

Antibacterial Soap – To minimize the incidence of infection, an antibacterial soap called Hibiclens will be provided for use at the 2 showers prior to surgery. This is usually the night before and the morning of the surgery. Cleanse your entire body, paying special attention to the area where your surgery is going to be performed. In the surgical area, use a wash cloth, cleansing for 5 minutes.

Your level of fitness and nutrition prior to surgery should be maintained to the best of your ability. Continue with any fitness activities that do not cause pain. Maintain a healthy balanced diet.

If you smoke cigarettes, it is strongly advised that you decrease the amount you smoke or stop smoking completely. Research indicates that smoking adversely affects bone healing and will thus delay or impede your full recovery following surgery. Inhalation of smoke irritates the breathing passages and may lead to respiratory problems during and after surgery.

Any errands (i.e. house cleaning and grocery shopping) should be completed prior to surgery. The fewer concerns you have upon discharge, the easier your transition home will be.

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MEDICATIONS TO DISCONTINUE BEFORE SURGERY

Please do not take any of the following medications for at least seven (7) days prior to surgery. If you have spinal fusion surgery, you will NOT be able to take NSAIDS or medications containing aspirin for about 3 months (until your doctor tells you that your fusion appears solid). This list of medications to discontinue is not complete. Other medications may contain these products as well. Please check with your physician if you are taking other medications.

Preparations for your Hospital Stay

• Have nothing to eat or drink after midnight prior to your surgery. Daily medications should be taken with a small sip of water.
• Eat lightly the day before surgery.
• If you have young children or a family member for whom you are the primary care-giver, arrange for alternative care for them after your surgery. This will allow for a restful recuperation period.
• If you are having extensive surgery, or if you are already having difficulty, it may be helpful to rent or purchase an elevated toilet seat and a shower chair. During the rehabilitation process, the occupational therapist will help you determine if you need any other adaptive devices or medical equipment before discharge from the hospital.

Suggested items to bring to the hospital:

• Two comfortable loose fitting outfits (i.e. jogging suit, nightshirts, bathrobe etc.).Comfortable shoes and socks and slippers.
• Comb/brush, and any other personal grooming items that you normally use daily.
• Personal stereo (Walkman) with relaxation tapes, favorite music, books on tape, books and magazines.
• Please leave valuables at home.

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