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Spine Education
PREPARATION FOR SURGERY:
PRE-OP CHECKLIST
Discuss with your surgeon:
- The surgery and how is it performed?
- Should I donate my own blood (autologous) for surgery?
- Any other concerns you have about the procedure or aftercare
Pre-admission screening – bloodwork
Make an appointment with your Internist. Ask for a list of your medications and review which ones to take the morning of surgery.
- Physical exam
- Diagnostic testing
- Medical clearance
- List of all your medications
Prepare your home for discharge, as discussed in the class.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery.
Discontinue medications containing aspirin, as well as anti-inflammatories such as: Motrin®, Advil®, Aleve®, etc., two weeks prior to your day of surgery.
Check with your surgeon or medical doctor about taking any medications that you routinely take at home, this includes vitamins or natural supplements (herbal medication). Some medications may be taken early in the morning with a sip of water. Do not bring your medications to the hospital.
On the morning of your surgery, do not wear any makeup, mascara or nail polish. No jewelry should be worn to the hospital except for a wedding band, if desired.
No dentures, hearing aides, glasses, contact lenses or other prosthesis are allowed in the operating room. You may wear them to the hospital, but have a family member hold them once you enter the operating room. Contact lens wearers should wear glasses.
Take an over-the-counter laxative if you haven’t moved your bowels the day before surgery.
The SVMC Admitting Office will contact you a few days before surgery to obtain information concerning where you live, your insurance coverage, etc. A nurse from the Short Stay Center will contact you the day before your surgery telling you what time to come to the hospital for your scheduled surgery. She will also answer any questions you may have at that time.
Please call 203-576-5187 if you have any questions about your preparation for surgery.
WHAT TO BRING TO THE HOSPITAL
- List of medication and their dosages you currently take
- Test results and/or X-rays your MD may have requested you bring
- A copy of your Living Will or Health Care Proxy
- Short, lightweight bathrobe (For walking in the hall)
- Personal toiletries
- Eyeglasses (do not bring contact lenses)
- Dentures and Hearing Aid
- Watch or Clock
- Flat non-skid shoes/slippers
- Telephone numbers of people you may want to call
- Money for newspapers, magazines or items from gift cart; TV is provided at no cost.
- A book or hobby
- DO NOT bring to the hospital:
TESTING BEFORE SURGERY
All patients who come to St. Vincent’s Medical Center (SVMC) for elective surgery will have their preoperative tests performed on an outpatient basis through SVMC’s One Stop Testing Department, a private laboratory, or your primary care physician’s office.
Your orthopaedic surgeon / neurosurgeon may ask you to visit your medical or family doctor shortly before your scheduled surgery. Your physician will decide which tests are needed. Your medical doctor may also see you during your hospital stay.
HOME SAFETY - PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY
To reduce the chance of falling inside or outside your home, use these following guidelines in making your home safe before surgery:
1. Light all walkways throughout the house, especially on stairs and along the area between the bedroom and bathrooms. Be sure walking areas are wide enough for you to get through with your walker.
2. Remove all throws or scatter rugs.
3. Tie up loose lamp cords, electrical cords or extension cords so the bottom of the walker or crutch cannot get caught.
4. Make sure the railings on all stairs are secure.
5. Wear footwear that fits well and has a nonskid sole, such as sneakers. Shoes that close with Velcro® and have a flat heel are recommended. Women should avoid wearing high-heeled shoes.
6. Have floors fixed that are uneven or in disrepair.
7. Apply non-slip surfaces to the bathtub and shower floors. A railing may be installed in the shower area for assistance.
8. In winter, have all sidewalk and driveway surfaces maintained in a dry condition clear of ice and snow.
9. Avoid highly polished floors.
10. Remove clutter in all walkways and from the stairs.
11. Chairs and sofas should be of a height to permit easy sitting and standing.
12. Arrange your kitchen work center for convenience. Keep all utensils, dishes, pots, and pans in a reachable area - not too high or too low.
Next: Your Hospital Stay
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