Preparing for Surgery
Taking the proper steps to prepare for your surgery can significantly reduce your pre-operative anxiety and ensure you make a quick recovery. One of our physicians will thoroughly discuss the implications of any surgical procedure, but please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the following recommendations.
Arriving at Northwest Hospital
Please arrive for your surgery 1 ½ to 2 hours prior to your actual surgery time. Enter at the Totem Pole Entrance of the hospital and check in at the surgery desk. Please visit www.nwhospital.org for more detailed maps and directions.
Your Anesthesia Interview
Before your surgery, a nurse will call you at home to review your health history and any medications you are currently taking. This interview is very important and will help your anesthesiologist and other members of the medical team make decisions about your care.
The Day Before Surgery
On the night before or the morning of your surgery, take a shower using antibacterial soap. Dial or Hibiclens soap brands work well. You will also need to arrange for a ride to and from the hospital. Our newly designed operating room features a comfortable waiting room where friends and family members can wait for you while you undergo your surgery.
Bowel Preparation
Many abdominal surgeries require a bowel prep to be done the day prior to your surgery. If your surgery does necessitate a bowel prep, your physician will provide you with instructions.
Fluid Restrictions
Please avoid any solid foods after midnight on the evening before your scheduled surgery. You can drink water, apple juice, black coffee, or tea without sugar or milk up to 4 hours prior to your surgery time. If you are a patient with diabetes, renal failure, morbid obesity, or previous gastric procedures, please discontinue all solids and liquids at midnight.
Medication Restrictions
Your physician will review with you which medications you can take before surgery. The anesthesia nurse will also review this with you when she calls you on the phone. Any medications you are told to take before surgery should be swallowed with only 1 ounce of water, and no later than one hour before surgery.
Dangerous Medications
If you are taking any of the following medications, please discuss them with your physician. Do not go into surgery without discussing the following medications with your physician.
Arriving at Northwest Hospital
Please arrive for your surgery 1 ½ to 2 hours prior to your actual surgery time. Enter at the Totem Pole Entrance of the hospital and check in at the surgery desk. Please visit www.nwhospital.org for more detailed maps and directions.
Your Anesthesia Interview
Before your surgery, a nurse will call you at home to review your health history and any medications you are currently taking. This interview is very important and will help your anesthesiologist and other members of the medical team make decisions about your care.
The Day Before Surgery
On the night before or the morning of your surgery, take a shower using antibacterial soap. Dial or Hibiclens soap brands work well. You will also need to arrange for a ride to and from the hospital. Our newly designed operating room features a comfortable waiting room where friends and family members can wait for you while you undergo your surgery.
Bowel Preparation
Many abdominal surgeries require a bowel prep to be done the day prior to your surgery. If your surgery does necessitate a bowel prep, your physician will provide you with instructions.
Fluid Restrictions
Please avoid any solid foods after midnight on the evening before your scheduled surgery. You can drink water, apple juice, black coffee, or tea without sugar or milk up to 4 hours prior to your surgery time. If you are a patient with diabetes, renal failure, morbid obesity, or previous gastric procedures, please discontinue all solids and liquids at midnight.
Medication Restrictions
Your physician will review with you which medications you can take before surgery. The anesthesia nurse will also review this with you when she calls you on the phone. Any medications you are told to take before surgery should be swallowed with only 1 ounce of water, and no later than one hour before surgery.
Dangerous Medications
If you are taking any of the following medications, please discuss them with your physician. Do not go into surgery without discussing the following medications with your physician.
- Coumadin
- Aspirin (or aspirin containing drugs such as Excedrin)
- Metformin
- NSAIDs such as ibuprofen
- Plavix
- Tamoxifen
- Herbal Supplements such as fish oil
- Insurance information
- Advance directive
This includes a copy of your living will or durable power of attorney. If you do not have one, please request an advance directive booklet. - An up to date list of any medications you are currently aking
- Loose-fitting, comfortable clothing for your ride home