Your Essential Morning Checklist for Surgery
Preparation for surgery doesn't just happen the day before; the final hours are just as important. The morning of your procedure is a crucial time for ensuring your safety and readiness. By following your surgical team's specific instructions, you can help minimize risks and contribute to a successful outcome. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the standard protocol, but always defer to the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
The Golden Rule: Fasting and Fluid Restrictions
For most surgeries involving anesthesia, having an empty stomach is non-negotiable. This is to prevent aspiration, where stomach contents are accidentally inhaled into the lungs, leading to potentially life-threatening pneumonia. Your medical team will provide a specific cutoff time for food and clear liquids. This may be after midnight for food, and a few hours before your arrival for clear liquids like water or black coffee. It is imperative that you follow these instructions exactly. Even chewing gum or a mint can stimulate stomach acid production.
Can I take my regular medications?
This is a question with a very specific, personalized answer. Your pre-op team or anesthesiologist will have reviewed your list of medications and given you instructions. Some blood thinners, for example, must be stopped several days in advance. Other medications, particularly those for blood pressure or heart conditions, may need to be taken with a small sip of water the morning of. It is vital to only take what you have been explicitly told to and to use the smallest amount of water possible.
What about brushing my teeth?
Oral hygiene is important, but with a slight modification. You can and should brush your teeth the morning of surgery to reduce bacteria in your mouth. The key is to rinse your mouth thoroughly and avoid swallowing any water or toothpaste. An antiseptic mouthwash may even be recommended in some cases. Follow the instructions from your surgeon or pre-operative nurse.
The Dos and Don'ts of Personal Grooming
Your appearance on the morning of surgery has a medical purpose. What you put on your body, and what you leave off, can affect the procedure's safety and monitoring.
- Remove all makeup and nail polish: Your skin color and nail beds are important indicators of your circulation and oxygen levels. The anesthesia and surgical team needs to be able to see these clearly. Nail polish, especially gel or acrylic, can interfere with pulse oximeters, the small clip-on devices used to measure blood oxygen.
- Avoid lotions, perfumes, and deodorants: These products can contain chemicals or alcohols that may cause skin irritation or interfere with the adhesives used for monitoring equipment or surgical dressings. It is best to arrive with a clean, bare body.
- Shower or bathe: In many cases, you will be asked to shower the morning of surgery. Sometimes, you'll be given a special antibacterial soap to use. This helps reduce the number of germs on your skin and minimizes the risk of infection.
- Leave jewelry and piercings at home: All jewelry, including wedding rings and body piercings, must be removed. Metal can be a conductor for electrical currents used in surgery, and jewelry can also become a site for bacterial growth. Hospital staff cannot be responsible for lost items, so it's safest to leave everything valuable at home.
The Practicalities: What to Bring and Wear
On the day of your surgery, thinking ahead can reduce stress and ensure you have everything you need.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes: Choose garments that are easy to put on and take off. Button-down shirts or loose-fitting tops are ideal, as they can be put on without pulling them over your head after surgery. Wear comfortable, flat shoes.
- Bring necessary documents: You will need your photo ID, insurance card, and any forms you were asked to complete. Having a list of your current medications and dosages is also a good practice.
- Organize your essentials: If you wear glasses, contact lenses, or a hearing aid, bring a case for them. These items will need to be removed for the procedure. If you use a C-Pap or Bi-Pap machine, ask if you should bring it. Don't bring any other valuables or large bags.
- Secure your ride home: You will not be allowed to drive yourself home after receiving anesthesia. Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and, in most cases, stay with you for the first 24 hours. The hospital will not release you without this plan in place.
Medication Instructions: Comparison Table
Understanding which medications to take and which to skip can be confusing. The following table provides a general comparison, but always follow your doctor's specific instructions.
| Medication Type | Typical Morning of Surgery Instruction | Reason | DO NOT | Exception |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Pressure | Take with a small sip of water. | Maintaining stable blood pressure is crucial during surgery. | Skip unless instructed otherwise. | Only take as directed by your anesthesiologist. |
| Diabetes | Often adjusted or skipped. | Fasting impacts blood sugar levels. | Take as normal. | Your doctor or anesthesiologist will provide specific, time-sensitive instructions. |
| Blood Thinners | Must be stopped well in advance. | Reduces risk of excessive bleeding during and after surgery. | Assume you should take it. | Requires pre-operative consultation with your surgeon. |
| Thyroid | Take with a small sip of water. | Maintaining hormone levels is important for metabolic stability. | Skip unless instructed otherwise. | May be taken as directed with minimal water. |
| Regular Vitamins/Herbal Supplements | Do not take. | Can interfere with anesthesia or increase bleeding risk. | Continue taking. | Always inform your doctor about all supplements you take. |
Don't Forget Your Mental Health
Anxiety is a normal and valid feeling before surgery. In addition to following the physical preparations, it is important to address your emotional state. Try to get a good night's sleep the night before. Focus on quiet, calming activities in the morning, like listening to soothing music or reading. Having a loved one with you, if permitted, can also provide comfort.
Conclusion
The morning before surgery requires careful adherence to a set of specific guidelines. By following instructions regarding fasting, personal hygiene, attire, and medication, you play an active role in ensuring your own safety. The detailed preparation is designed to minimize complications and set the stage for the most successful procedure and recovery possible. Remember to always consult directly with your surgical team about any uncertainties, and follow their advice above all else. For more information on general surgical procedures, you can visit the American College of Surgeons.
