- Patients ages one through adult: You may have food up to 8 hours and clear liquids up to 6 hours prior to arrival time at the hospital.
- Patients up to 1 year of age (0 to 12 months): Pediatric patients may have solid food, breast milk or formula up to 4 hours and clear liquids 2 hours prior to arrival time at the hospital.
- Please bring a list of the medications you are taking with the dose, frequency with which you take your medications, and the time the last dose was taken. Include in this list non-prescription and herbal medications. Also bring a list of your allergies with the reactions you have had.
***Check with your surgeon regarding the need to discontinue blood-thinning medications prior to surgery.
Patients may take all routine prescription medication on the morning of surgery with a sip of water with the following exceptions for diabetic patients:
- No oral hypoglycemic medications
- No Regular, Short-acting or 70/30 insulin
Patients should take1/2 their usual dose of long-acting insulin (NPH or Lente) the morning of surgery. If your surgery is after noon, decrease the dose to ¼ of your usual dose. If you have an insulin pump, check with your physician for instructions.
If you use inhalers or nitroglycerine, bring them with you.
- Do not bring valuables to the hospital (credit cards, watches, jewelry, money, etc.). You will need a picture I.D., your insurance card and any co-payment, if required. Your insurance company can determine if you will have a co-payment.
- Bring a case for your glasses or hearing aids. Do not wear contact lenses.
- You may shower, shampoo and brush your teeth the morning of surgery. Do not wear make-up, lotion or powder.
- Wear clothes that are loose and comfortable. Remember, you may need to be able to get a bulky dressing through a sleeve or pant leg! If you expect to be an inpatient after your surgery, leave your suitcase in the car. Your family/friends can get them for you after surgery.
- If you develop an illness prior to surgery or need to cancel your surgery, notify your physician immediately.
- Bring health records: list of medications with doses and allergies, EKG, lab and x-ray results, autologous blood donation, if applicable.
- A responsible adult must be available to drive you home. You will not be able to drive for at least 24 hours after your surgery.
Arrange to have a responsible adult with you for at least 24 hours after surgery.
- If you are having hand or leg surgery you may need special equipment as indicated by your physician. Have pillows in the car to elevate the extremity on the drive home.
Special Pediatric Instructions:
- One parent will need to remain on the unit at all times.
- If possible, leave other children at home.
- If you are not the custodial mother or father and will be signing the surgical permit, bring proof of guardianship.
- Bring a comfort item with the child (favorite blanket, stuffed animal or toy).
- Have another adult with you to transport the child home so one can drive and one can care for the child.