Before your surgical procedure

Meeting with the Surgical Team

Before your surgery, you will meet with the surgical team. We will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and determine whether surgery is necessary and appropriate for your condition.

Surgical Consent

We will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery, as well as possible alternatives. If you decide to proceed with surgery, you will be asked to sign an informed consent form.

By signing the consent form, you confirm that:

• You give written permission to receive the treatment.

• The surgical team has provided you with information about your surgery and other treatment options.

• You have chosen to undergo the surgery.

• You understand that surgery does not guarantee the desired results.

• You understand that no procedure is 100% risk-free and that complications may occur during or after surgery.

It is important that you understand these risks. We will discuss them with you during your consultation.

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Preoperative Tests and Evaluations

Certain tests may be needed before surgery. During your consultation, we will evaluate your case and determine which tests are necessary. These may include:

• Blood tests to determine your blood type in case a transfusion is needed.

• Blood and urine tests to assess the risk of bleeding or infection and evaluate kidney and liver function when appropriate.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• CT scan

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

• Ultrasound

• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Not all patients require these tests. They will be requested based on the type of surgery, your individual risk factors, and any special medical needs.

Stop Smoking

We recommend stopping smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery, as smoking can delay recovery and significantly increase the risk of complications.

Physical Activity

To help reduce risks before and after surgery, we generally recommend walking for at least 30 minutes a day on as many days as possible before your procedure, unless your doctor recommends otherwise.

Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks

In general, you should not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before surgery, unless you are given different instructions by your medical team.

Taking Your Medications

It is very important to tell your surgical team about all medications, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Your medical team will tell you if any medications need to be stopped before surgery.

Be sure to inform us if you take blood thinners or heart medications. Examples include:

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), warfarin, apixaban, enoxaparin, clopidogrel, metoprolol, propranolol, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and others.

IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT ANY MEDICATION, PLEASE ALWAYS ASK US.

What to Wear and Bring

Please arrive with a responsible family member or companion.

When you arrive at the hospital, you will need to remove clothing or jewelry that could interfere with the procedure. You will then change into a hospital gown.

Leave valuables at home or with your family member or companion in the waiting area.

Wear glasses on the morning of surgery instead of contact lenses. You may bring your contact lenses, case, and solution to use after the procedure if needed.

You will generally be asked not to wear makeup or nail polish on the day of surgery.

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Other Considerations

• Contact your insurance provider to find out whether you need prior authorization for your surgery.

• If there is a possibility of significant blood loss during surgery and your procedure is more than 4 weeks away, ask your surgical team whether donating and storing your own blood would be appropriate.

• Consider having a family member or friend accompany you on the day of surgery. After the procedure, we will provide them with information about how the surgery went. Please provide the hospital staff with a phone number where your family member or companion can be reached.

• Arrange transportation home and support during your recovery.

• If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. We are happy to clarify your instructions and guide you through the process.

• Consider scheduling your follow-up appointments before surgery.

• Ask when you will be able to safely resume your normal physical activities after surgery. This will depend on the type of procedure you have.