Day of Surgery: What to Do

Being prepared on the day of surgery can help ease concerns you may have. It’s also important to understand and follow these recommendations for efficiency and safety standards.

Tell Us About Your Health

Notify your physician of any change in your physical condition, such as a cold, fever, sore throat, rash, or flu.

If you have sleep apnea, please let us know. If you use a CPAP machine, please bring this with you on the day of surgery.

Clothing and Valuables

On the day of surgery, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that are easy to slip on and off.

Leave jewelry, watches, money, and other valuables at home. The hospital is not responsible for lost or missing items.

What to Bring

Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and/or expected means of payment (when appropriate), as well as any advance directive, healthcare power of attorney, or applicable guardianship papers. Prostheses, contact lenses, hearing aids, jewelry, body piercing, wigs, hairpins, makeup, etc. will be removed before entering the operating room.

Bring along any prescription eyeglasses you require and appropriate storage containers for these items; they will be given to your driver for safe keeping.

Your Escort

Your safety requires you to have a responsible adult accompany you to the hospital and back home after surgery. This adult must remain at the hospital at all times during your surgery. If your surgery requires general anesthesia, please make arrangements to have a responsible adult stay with you at home for 24 hours following your surgery.

All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian must remain on the hospital premises at all times.

Check-in Procedure

Once you are checked in, you can expect the following steps to take place before your surgery:

  • You will change into a patient gown and empty your bladder. Female patients will provide a urine sample.
  • A specialty nurse will prepare you for surgery.
  • Your anesthesiologist will discuss your anesthetic plan with you and answer any questions you may have.