Before Inpatient Surgery

Pre-surgical Testing

To be certain that you are healthy before your operation, laboratory tests may need to be performed before surgery. If you are going to receive general anesthetic, these tests will usually include, but are not limited to:

• Complete blood count
  
• Urinalysis
  
• Chest X-ray
  
• Electrocardiogram
  

Diet

After midnight, you should abstain from food and water, as it will help prevent vomiting and respiratory complications during and after surgery. This includes chewing gum, lozenges, hard candy, or even swallowing water while brushing your teeth. If you inadvertently eat or drink something after midnight, please tell you nurse immediately.

Smoking

You are encouraged to stop smoking for as long as possible before surgery, preferably for 24 hours, but certainly for a minimum of 12 hours. A reduction in smoking decreases the risk of respiratory problems, such as pneumonia, after surgery.

Financial Information

At the time of your admission to Condell, please bring insurance information with you, including your policy identification card and one claim form. If you have questions about benefits, call your insurance company prior to surgery.

Anesthesia

The evening before surgery, the anesthesiologist will visit you to discuss the particular anesthetic you will receive. Your health and the nature of your operation determine the type of anesthetic.

Pre/Post Operative Teaching

A video presentation is available in your patient room the evening before your operation. It is shown at 7 pm, Sunday through Thursday on Channel 13. If you have any questions, please ask your nurse.