BEFORE SURGERY
Are you planning to have surgery soon? Here are some things you can expect to help make the surgery experience successful.

Stop Smoking. At a minimum, you should stop smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or any other form of tobacco consumption 30 days before the scheduled procedure. Smoking cessation will help to prevent infections and will promote healing.

If you regularly take medications, including herbals, aspirin, NSAID, anticoagulant, or any other prescriptions and over the counter drugs, ask your doctor if you should stop taking them prior to surgery. If your physician instructed you to take your medications the morning of surgery, please take with no more than the amount of water needed to comfortably swallow the medication.

Shower with an antibacterial soap the night before surgery and again the day of your surgery. This reduces the bacteria on your skin and helps prevent infections.

Unless otherwise instructed by your physician, do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery or for eight hours prior to your scheduled surgery.

Wear loose comfortable clothes to the surgical facility. Leave your jewelry, makeup and valuables at home. Your belongings should be capable of being stored in a shopping-type bag and locker. Generally, you will be provided with a gown, slippers and robe to wear and warm blankets to keep you comfortable.If you wear contacts or eyeglasses, bring a storage case for protection.

If you use an assistive device such as walker, cane, hearing aids, please bring it with you.

You usually may brush your teeth and gargle the morning of surgery. Be careful not to swallow any of the liquid.

Leave your home in ample time to arrive at the surgical facility by your specified time.

Bring your insurance and ID card(s) with you as copies may be needed when you register.

AFTER SURGERY
You will spend some time in the recovery room following your surgery. Your family may join you if you desire. If your surgery is planned as outpatient, you may be discharged when certain conditions are met:

Vital signs are stable
Able to walk with assistance
Bleeding is controlled
Awake and alert
Nausea and vomiting are controlled
Pain is controlled

If your surgery is planned as inpatient, you will be admitted to a comfortable guest room in our hospital. Again, family members are encouraged to participate in your care and are welcome to stay with you.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

When you have had general anesthesia, regional or local anesthesia with sedation it can leave you feeling tired and lightheaded. Your judgment and motor abilities may be impaired for a period of twenty-four (24) hours.

Do not drive a vehicle or operate machinery
Avoid alcoholic beverages
Postpone signing legal documents or making important decisions
Limit your activities

Begin your diet with liquids and light foods (jello, soups, toast, juice, etc.). Progress to your normal diet if you are not nauseated. Eat a well-balanced diet to properly heal after surgery. Resume special diets. A good fluid intake is important to prevent constipation.

Take medications as prescribed by your physician. When taking pain control medications, be careful when you walk, drive or climb stairs. Drink plenty of water with your pain medications. Dizziness is not unusual. Do not mix with alcohol.

Please DO NOT SMOKE, as this interferes with healing.

You will experience some pain, bruising, swelling and bleeding after surgery. A small amount of oozing from incision site is normal. It is also common to experience increased pain the day after surgery. If you have excessive pain, bruising, discoloration, tingling, numbness, swelling or bleeding, please call your surgeon. If your wound becomes red, swollen, shows pus or red streaks, feels more tender, or you experience an elevated temperature (> 101 degree F.) call your surgeon.

If you have questions of how to care for your wound or any other instructions, call your surgeon or Lewis & Clark Specialty Hospital 605-665-5100.

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