Slip-on shoes: Wear shoes that are easy to remove and put on, especially if you're getting hand or wrist surgery and won't be able to easily put on or tie your shoes. Hair tie or elastic band: You may want to put your long hair into a ponytail or braid with an elastic band before surgery so it's out of the way.
Comfortable, loose clothes are best. Bear in mind that hospital wards are usually warm. Don't forget underwear, socks, and slippers. A dressing gown is also handy for times you don't feel like getting dressed.
Clothing/Hygiene: We suggest loose fitting, comfortable clothing and shoes be worn the day of your surgery. You may bring socks to wear. Do not wear contact lenses, make-up, nail polish, hairpins, or jewelry, including body piercings.
Can I wear deodorant before surgery? Refrain from using deodorants, powder, perfumes, lotions and moisturisers, as the products can leave residue on your skin.
Please only wear a pad on surgery day—tampons increase your risk of infection.
A patient who's been anesthetized with general anesthesia isn't able to control their urination. Because of this, the surgical team will usually place a Foley catheter before performing the procedure. This ensures that the bladder stays empty and the operation is clean and sterile.
Anesthesia. Anesthesia paralyzes your muscles. This stops movement in the intestinal tract. Until your intestines "wake up," there is no movement of stool.
Oral hygiene must be excellent prior to surgery. Therefore, during the 2 to 3 days prior to surgery, brush your teeth with toothpaste and use mouthwash several times a day. On the day of surgery, before reporting to the office, brush and rinse with mouthwash.
All nail polish should be removed prior to surgery, including polish on toenails. Patients with long hair should not wear metal hair pins or barrettes. Be sure to remember cases for contacts, glasses or hearing aids.
Hair: Many hair products and hair pieces contain highly flammable products. Your safety is our first priority. That's why we require that you wash your hair the night before or the morning of surgery using only shampoo and conditioner. DO NOT use any other hair products after washing.
You will most likely be required to remove all undergarments. We understand this can be confronting and uncomfortable for some people, however it is required for surgery, assists in an emergency and ensures your personal garments aren't unnecessarily cut or stained.
Sweats or loose workout pants are generally a good choice. You may want to consider wearing shorts if you're having knee surgery. Shirts or blouses with buttons in the front are easiest to put on and take off.
The process of waking up from anesthesia is known as emergence. During emergence, the anesthesiologist will slowly reduce the amount of anesthetic drugs in the body. This helps to reduce the intensity of the effects of anesthesia and allows the patient to regain consciousness.
On the day of surgery, you may be asked to arrive several hours before your procedure is scheduled to begin. This allows the staff to complete any tests that cannot be performed until the day of surgery.
Within 24 hours of any surgical procedure that involves anesthesia, you should avoid high-fiber foods of all types, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. During the two weeks leading up to surgery, you should avoid eating fish or taking fish oil or omega-3 supplements.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This includes water, coffee, gum, or mints. If you do, it may be necessary to cancel your surgery. Do not smoke or use chewing tobacco after midnight the night before your surgery.
No, you can't wear hairspray during surgery. Hair products could be flammable and may be dangerous to have in the operating room. It's best to put your hair up in a braid or ponytail so it can be out of the way.
Small pieces of sticking tape are commonly used to keep the eyelids fully closed during the anaesthetic. This has been shown to reduce the chance of a corneal abrasion occurring.
Make-up and nail polish reduce our ability to monitor you during surgery. While in surgery, you will have a probe placed on the end of your finger to read the oxygen level in your blood. This probe cannot read through artificial nails or nail polish.
Yes, please! Showering will help prevent surgical site infections. You may shower the night before and the morning of your surgery, but avoid aggressively scrubbing the area of the surgical site.
You are encouraged to drink clear liquids before surgery or anesthesia — NOT milk or dairy products — until 2 hours before the time you are scheduled to arrive at the hospital or surgery center. Staying hydrated is good for you, and it's especially important in hot weather! Clear, see-through liquids include: Water.
Yes. You may brush your teeth and swish with a small amount of water to rinse.
General anesthesia slows down your digestive system, and the slower it is, the harder your stool. You may be given other medications during surgery that also slow your gut. And some pain medications like opioids, given after surgery, also slow digestion.
Frequent and/or loose stools are common. It takes your body time to adjust after an operation. Avoid foods which seem to cause diarrhea or gas. If you are having more than 5-6 movements each day, talk with your doctor unless you were told to expect this.
It's best to have someone with you for at least the first 24 hours after general anesthesia. You may continue to be sleepy, and your judgment and reflexes may take time to return to normal. If you are taking opioids for pain, you won't be able to drive until you stop taking them.