To prepare for surgery you will need to obtain a pre-surgery physical exam from your regular doctor no more than 14-30 days prior to your surgery date, depending on your hospital. Schedule a physical with your doctor as soon as you have scheduled surgery with us.

A physical form should be included in the surgery package you receive from us. Have your physician fax this form to the fax number listed on it. Do not fax this form to us. A hospital registration form should also be included in your packet. Mail or fax this to the hospital prior to surgery to the address or number listed.

You will need to refrain from certain over-the-counter and prescription medications such as blood thinners (including aspirin) and dietary supplements (such as garlic). Stop taking these drugs 2 weeks prior to surgery and one week after. Ask your primary physician if you are on any medications you will have to stop prior to surgery.

It may not be safe for you to stop taking some prescription drugs, such as Coumadin, for the entire 14 day period before surgery and 7 days after surgery. Work out a treatment plan with your prescribing physician that specifically meets your treatment needs. Ask your physician how long it is safe to be off any medication and when you may resume it after surgery. We can still do surgery as long as you have made these arrangements.

You cannot eat beginning at midnight the evening before surgery. If you are diabetic, alert our doctors or surgery scheduler so we can coordinate your surgery time and your blood sugar maintenance requirements. You may drink clear liquids, such as water, coffee or tea, up to three hours prior to your surgery time. If you must take medication within three hours of your surgery, take it with a small sip of water.

Other factors such as smoking or alcohol use may cause additional blood loss during surgery, increased bruising and swelling, and prolonged healing time and should be refrained from at least 3 days prior to surgery and after surgery.

These guidelines are in place to insure your safety and health during surgery. If you cannot follow these guidelines for any reason your surgery may need to be rescheduled for another date.

For a complete information package on pre-surgical guidelines including obtaining a history and physical, a full listing of medications and supplements to cease prior to surgery, and frequently asked questions, click here.