Pre-Surgery Testing

Pre-surgery screening provides your physician with important information about your current state of health prior to your surgery. During pre-surgery testing:

  • Your admission information will be reviewed
  • Several tests will be performed, including diagnostic tests and any others ordered by your physician or hospital anesthesiologist
  • You will receive information about your anesthesia

If you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign the consent forms required for testing and surgery.

Pre-Surgery Instructions

Please follow these important instructions before surgery. If you fail to follow these instructions, your surgery may be cancelled.

  • Do not eat (this includes sucking on hard candy or mints), drink, chew gum or smoke after midnight on the night before the surgery. You may brush your teeth, but do not swallow any water.
  • Ask your physician if you should take your routine morning medications. If your physician says yes, you should take medications with a sip of water before going to the hospital.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and low-heeled shoes to the hospital on the day of surgery. If you are having surgery on your head, neck or eyes, you should wear a shirt or blouse that opens in the front. Nail polish, make-up, and jewelry should not be worn.
  • A responsible adult must be present to accompany you home and should stay with you the first 24 hours after surgery.
  • Leave your valuables, large amounts of cash, jewelry and credit cards at home or with a family member or friend for safekeeping.

If at any time prior to your surgery you become ill or have developed any new health problems, please call your physician or surgeon immediately. Changes in your health may impact your surgeon's decision to perform surgery.