Knowing about your surgery in advance can help you prepare for your procedure and can put you on the right track for beginning your recovery.  Before your operation is scheduled, your doctor will spend time discussing your options with you and addressing any questions or concerns you may have regarding available treatments.  Thinking about questions you want to have addressed at these times can help you make the best choice and can ease your mind about the treatment you select.  Information about diagnoses is available from your physician and also online.  For detailed information on some of the most common diagnoses and procedures, check out the Patient Education section of our website.  Here are some additional tips to help you be ready for an operation:

1. Arrive on time – Surgeries are planned according to a strict schedule in order to ensure the highest levels of care and hygiene.  Coming late to a procedure cannot only waste hospital time and resources, it can force a procedure to be rescheduled if the agreed upon schedule can’t be followed.  Arriving late can also put unnecessary stress on the patient, so build in some cushion time into your plans.
2. Be sure to bring everything you need – If you need to have medications, medical history information, a friend or family member to drive you home, a list of your current medications, or medical insurance documents with you make sure to bring them along.  You doctor and medical staff will tell you in advance what you specifically need to bring, but feel free to call and confirm with your doctor’s medical assistant if you still have questions.  Assembling any necessary documents and making plans for a ride in advance can be very helpful.
3. Follow any instructions given by your doctor – Many procedures require you to not eat or drink for a set amount of time before your surgery.  Others require you to stop using any blood thinners or other medications for a day or more before your operation.  Be sure to follow these instructions or any others that your doctor may give in order for your surgery to proceed smoothly.
4. Relax – Our doctors are experts in their fields.  When you plan your surgery with one of our physicians, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands.  If you follow these instructions and any others given by your doctor and medical staff, you can rest assured that we’ll handle the rest.