What to do in the morning of surgery? Your essential guide

According to the American College of Surgeons, following pre-operative instructions precisely is critical for patient safety and procedure success. Knowing what to do in the morning of surgery is a vital part of this preparation, ensuring you arrive at the hospital ready and minimizing risks.

Quick Summary

The morning of surgery requires strict adherence to dietary, hygiene, and medication instructions provided by your healthcare provider. This involves following fasting rules, taking only approved medicines with a small sip of water, showering, and leaving all valuables and cosmetics at home to prepare for a safe procedure. Arriving prepared helps ensure a smooth process for both you and your medical team.

Key Points

• Fasting is critical: Do not eat or drink after midnight unless instructed otherwise to prevent serious complications with anesthesia.

• Take only approved medications: Your doctor's list is the only one that matters; take meds with a small sip of water if permitted.

• Practice strict hygiene: Shower and remove all cosmetics, nail polish, lotions, and piercings to ensure a sterile environment.

• Dress for comfort and leave valuables at home: Wear loose, easy-to-remove clothing and do not bring any jewelry or other items of value to the hospital.

• Bring necessary documents: Have your ID, insurance card, medication list, and contact information ready to streamline the check-in process.

Your essential day-of-surgery checklist

The morning of your surgery can be a blur of nerves and last-minute preparations. By following a clear, step-by-step checklist, you can ensure you've covered all your bases for a safe and smooth procedure. Your medical team will provide specific instructions, and this guide serves as a helpful general overview. It is crucial to always prioritize and follow your healthcare provider's directions above all else.

Hygiene and personal care

Proper hygiene on the day of your procedure is important for minimizing the risk of infection. Your hospital may provide specific antiseptic soap, so always follow their specific directions.

• Shower or bathe: Take a shower or bath the morning of your surgery, as instructed by your doctor. Use a clean towel to dry off. If a special surgical wash is provided, use it according to the instructions. This is a critical step in reducing the bacteria on your skin.
• Do not apply anything to your skin: This includes makeup, lotions, creams, perfumes, deodorant, and powder. These products can interfere with surgical tools, monitoring equipment, and your skin’s health.
• Remove nail polish: Remove any nail polish, especially from your index fingers. The medical staff uses a pulse oximeter on your finger to monitor your blood oxygen levels during surgery, and nail polish can obstruct the reading.
• Oral hygiene: Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth, but be very careful not to swallow any water. Fasting rules apply to all liquids, so spitting everything out is essential.
• Remove all body piercings: All piercings, including tongue piercings, must be removed before surgery. This is a safety measure to prevent burns from surgical cautery tools.

What to wear and bring

What you wear and what you bring (or leave at home) can make a significant difference in your comfort and safety on the day of surgery.

1. Wear loose, comfortable clothes: Opt for loose-fitting, casual clothing that is easy to put on and take off. A button-down shirt is a good choice for upper body procedures. Slip-on shoes are also a practical option.
2. Leave all jewelry and valuables at home: This includes wedding rings, watches, earrings, and any body piercings. The hospital cannot be held responsible for lost items, and metal can interfere with medical equipment. You should also leave credit cards, large amounts of cash, and other valuables at home.
3. Pack essential documents: Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and any required forms. A comprehensive list of your current medications and dosages is also crucial.
4. Bring a list of contacts: The hospital will need contact information for a family member or friend to provide updates. This person will also need to be your designated driver home if you are not staying overnight.
5. Special items: If you use a CPAP machine, a cane, or eyeglasses, pack them. Bring a labeled case for eyeglasses, contact lenses, or dentures.

Fasting and medication

Instructions regarding food, drink, and medication are among the most critical for a safe anesthetic. These rules must be followed precisely to prevent serious complications.

• No food or drink: You must not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery, unless your doctor has given you specific instructions. This rule includes water, gum, and hard candy. Failure to follow this can lead to your surgery being canceled or a serious complication called aspiration during anesthesia.
• Medication on the day of surgery: Take only the medications that your surgeon has specifically approved for the day of surgery. Use only a small sip of water to swallow them. Inform the pre-op nurse of any medications you have taken that morning.

What to expect at the hospital

Once you arrive, a series of steps will occur to prepare you for the operating room. Knowing what to expect can help ease your anxiety.

1. Check-in: You will register at the admissions desk. You'll then be moved to the pre-operative holding area.
2. Pre-op holding: A nurse and anesthesiologist will meet with you to review your medical history and answer any final questions. You'll change into a hospital gown and have an IV line started. The surgical site may be marked.
3. Final checks: Your vital signs will be recorded, and the medical team will double-check your identity and the surgical procedure and location.

Common pre-op scenarios compared

Aspect	Routine Surgery (General Anesthesia)	Local or Regional Anesthesia
Fasting	Typically no food or drink after midnight.	May be less restrictive, but still requires strict following of specific doctor's orders.
Medication	Take only prescribed meds with a tiny sip of water, if approved.	Often follows the same strict rules as general anesthesia for safety.
Driving	Require a responsible adult to drive you home.	Sometimes allowed to drive yourself, but you must confirm with your doctor first.
Valuables	Leave at home. Hospital cannot be responsible for belongings.	Same rule applies—leave all valuables at home for safety.
Hygiene	Shower/bathe; no lotions, makeup, polish, or piercings.	Same restrictions apply for sterile environment and monitoring accuracy.

Conclusion

On the morning of surgery, your calm and preparedness are your greatest assets. Adhering to your doctor's pre-operative instructions, particularly regarding fasting and medication, is not just a formality—it is a critical part of your safety protocol. By following this guide and your specific medical advice, you can ensure you are fully ready for your procedure. For more comprehensive information on surgical preparation and patient safety, review authoritative resources like the American College of Surgeons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink water the morning of my surgery?

Generally, no. You must follow a strict 'no eating or drinking' rule, usually starting after midnight before your procedure. In some cases, your doctor may allow a small sip of water to take approved medication, but you must confirm this with them directly.

What happens if I eat or drink something accidentally?

If you break your fasting instructions, you must inform your medical team immediately. Your surgery will likely be canceled or postponed, as having food or liquid in your stomach can cause serious complications with anesthesia.

Should I take my regular prescription medication the morning of surgery?

Only take medications that your surgeon or anesthesiologist has specifically approved. For approved meds, you may be allowed a small sip of water to swallow them, but you must check in advance. Bring a complete list of your medications with you.

Can I wear makeup, lotion, or deodorant?

No. You should not apply any makeup, lotion, perfume, deodorant, or powder on the day of surgery. These products can interfere with monitoring equipment and potentially increase the risk of infection.

Why do I have to remove all jewelry and piercings?

All jewelry, including body piercings, must be removed for your safety. Metal items can interfere with surgical tools and equipment, particularly devices that use electrical currents, and can cause burns.

What if I feel sick with a cold or fever on the day of surgery?

If you develop a cold, fever, or other illness, you must contact your care team immediately. Your surgery may need to be rescheduled to ensure you are in the best possible health for the procedure.

What is the best thing to wear to the hospital?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat, easy-to-wear shoes. A button-down shirt is a good choice if you are having a procedure on your arm or shoulder, as it is easier to take on and off.