What to Expect

Preparing for Surgery

Tests

Your physican’s office may order tests that must be complete prior to your surgery. It is important that you get these tests performed as soon as possible so that results are complete pin advance of surgery day. Please make a note of where your tests were performed and bring it with you if you feel you might not be able to remember the office names. We may ask where you had your tests in our pre-op call so that we can assure all tests are on your chart the day of surgery. Your surgery may be cancelled if test results are not here. It is often helpful for you to request a copy of your EKG, if one is ordered, and bring it with you. If it is not too inconvenient, a request by you, for results to be faxed to CSI at 805-473-9851, is very helpful.

Pre-operative phone consultation

It is very, very important that we speak with you. You will receive a phone call from our office 1-2 business days prior to your surgery. Please make sure that your phone contact information is updated with your surgeon’s office as this is the number we will call. If you have not heard from our office by 2:00pm, please call us at 805-473-9850.

During the pre-op phone call, we will answer questions and provide you with your updated time of arrival. If we have last minute cancellations or schedule changes, we will call you immediately. This does occur so please check your messages the morning of surgery and remain flexible that day. Remember, our office will give you the updated time for arrival. If this conflicts with the time on your surgery slip, use our time.

You will be asked for a list of your medications. The nurse will review which medications to take before surgery and which should not be taken. You may take the smallest sip of water needed to swallow your medications.

Pacemakers and defibrillators

Please make sure your surgeon knows of any implanted devices you may have. Unfortunately, we do not perform surgery on patients with implanted defibrillator. This is for your safety. Patients with implanted pacemakers (without defibrillators) are required to have an interrogation of their device within the last six months.

Arranging transportation home

You MUST have a responsible adult drive you after your surgery and stay with you until you are safe to stay by yourself.  For patients receiving general anesthesia, you will need someone to stay with you overnight. This is for your safety. You will be asked to provide the phone number of your ride during the check-in process. The only exceptions to this rule is if you have no sedation nor anesthesia for your procedure.

Showering and shaving

You should shower or bathe prior to surgery. Please do not shave the operative site. Razors are known to leave microscopic cuts in your skin and increase the risk of infection.

What to have at home

You may want to assemble some items to have on hand for the first few days after surgery. Soups, crackers and plenty of fluids are easy to digest and may be the only thing that sounds palatable the day of or after surgery. If you have throat or ear surgery or an endoscopy, cold and soft foods are typically recommended and are therapeutic. These include ice cream, popsicles, yogurt and cool beverages.
Stool softeners are recommended if you are taking prescribed narcotic pain medication after surgery. A known side effect of these medications is constipation which can be quite uncomfortable. Colace or Senekot are good softeners. If you already have problems with elimination, Senekot-S may be required which is a softener and elimination stimulant combined. All of these medications are available over-the-counter at drug stores. Store brands are acceptable. Walking, if allowed by your doctor, and drinking lots of fluids is also recommended to help with digestion.

What to avoid

Blood thinners are generally stopped prior to surgery. The duration will be given to you by your doctor. Blood thinners include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Coumadin (Warfarin)
• Plavix 
• Pradaxa and Xarelto 
• Aspirin 
• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
• Naproxen (Naproxyn, Aleve, Naprelan)

Supplements:

• Ginko biloba & ginseng
• Garlic & ginger capsules
• Vitamins C and E

Diabetic medication will be discussed with you on a case by case basis. Generally, oral medications are not to be taken the day of surgery, as you will not be eating which can lead to low blood sugar. The dose of injectable insulin will be altered or eliminated depending on the time of your surgery. Please tell the nurse about your medication during the pre-operative phone call.

After Surgery

At home

Please take it easy when you go home. Drink lots of fluids and follow your physician’s instructions closely. A pillow or two is usually adequate for elevating operative extremities.

You will receive a post-operative text message the business day after your surgery.  Simply follow the prompt to respond.

Take your pain medication as directed and with food to help avoid nausea. If the pain medication causes nausea despite taking it with food, call your physician for a change in prescription or anti-nausea medication.