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Before Surgery

Before Surgery

Surgery Planning

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Before Surgery

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Day of Surgery

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Recovery

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General Tips for a Successful Surgery Prep:

We want to help set yourself up for success in order to ensure the best outcome post-surgery and feelings of confidence going into your surgery. This will help us ensure you have a safe and ready environment for your return home. Helping us and you get this work done means you are part of our health care team! Safe and effective health care requires your participation and involvement.


Taking care of these items before your procedure will help your hospital visit go as smoothly as possible and may help you have a faster recovery. However, please note that this is a general guide. Your physician’s instructions are specific to you; therefore, if your physician gives you instructions that conflict with the information here, please listen to your physician.



Patient Identification 

The thought may cross your mind – “Don’t they know why I am here?” Course we do! We are making certain that our information matches yours. Be prepared for various hospital staff to ask you some of the same questions. Just part of our job to ensure accuracy. 



Prevention of Surgical Site Infections:

Let your surgeon know as soon as possible if you have any breaks in your skin such as, insect bites, a recent rash, cut, sunburn or alike. An opening in the skin may put you at risk for infection and could cause a need to postpone your procedure. We encourage you to stop smoking. Smoking increases your risk for infection. 



Antibacterial Shower:

Showering prior to your surgery helps decrease the bacteria present on your skin that could cause an infection at your surgical site. So we may ask you to shower with a specific product called "Hibiclens"

  • For certain procedures, we may recommend showering with a special soap (chlorhexidine gluconate 4%). This soap should not be used on the head, face, private areas or mucus membranes. This soap performs its antibacterial function without scrubbing. Remember to wash gently and follow the directions on the product.
  • Shower the evening before AND the morning before your surgery. If you are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate, you may use another antibacterial soap or your usual soap. 
  • A shower or bath, the evening before, is acceptable for children.
  • Remove all jewelry, piercings and hair pins before your shower.
  • Don’t apply make-up, lotions, powders, deodorant, aftershave lotions, colognes or cosmetics after your shower and before surgery.
  • Don’t shave or use any other hair removal methods on the surgical site for five days prior to the procedure.
  • Please remove fingernail polish, or toenail polish, if the procedure is on that hand or foot. 


Click Here to download our instructional Hibiclens Brochure. 

Illness:

If you develop new symptoms such as a fever with body aches, sore throat or cough before your surgery, contact our surgery center as soon as possible. If you have a chronic condition, such as Parkinson's disease, COPD, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, etc., we recommend that you let that physician know you are scheduled for surgery. This will help them manage your condition more effectively.



Questions Before Surgery:

Do not wait until the day of your surgery to call and ask questions! As soon as you have questions, please reach out to our surgery center and our nurses will help assist you and get you in touch with your surgeon, if necessary. Our Surgery Center is available Monday - Friday from 8:00am - 3:00pm at 712-542-8349. After hours you may call 712-542-8211 and speak to a nurse.



For Patients & Family:

The length of your wait may vary depending on the procedure. When planning for the day of surgery, remember that the surgical procedure occupies only a part of the time. Preparation and recovery time should be included in your plans. Information on length of time should be communicated with the patient prior to surgery. We encourage you to bring a book, newspaper, crossword puzzle, etc. to do while you wait. Learn more about our facility amenities on our Patient & Visitor Information page.



For Children:

We encourage you to bring a special blanket or toy to make them more comfortable. Please bring diapers, formula, bottles, sippy cup, and other necessary care items. 



Contact Lenses & Dentures:

If you wear contact lenses or dentures, be prepared to take them out before your surgery. Bring holding cases and solutions for storage, if needed. If you wear contact lenses, please be sure to bring your glasses for post-op recovery.



Eating & Drinking:

Do not eat or drink anything by mouth after midnight the night before your arrival, or as directed by your preadmission nurse. Do not smoke, chew tobacco, chew gum, use breath mints or candy. This helps to prevent stomach contents from entering your airway while you are under anesthesia. Your nurse or surgeon's office will let you know if you should consume a clear liquid diet, take any special medications or follow bowel preparations.


Your surgery will be cancelled or delayed if you consume anything after midnight (this includes chewing gum, hard candy, mints, or chew-less tobacco).


Medication:

The preadmission nurse will tell you which medications to take on the day of your surgery or procedure. If you are instructed to take any of your medications the morning of surgery, take them with a sip of water, or as instructed.


Some medications need to be held prior to surgery. Please make sure that your preadmission nurse and surgeon are aware if you are on any of these medications listed below. The list includes examples of types of medications but may not list every specific medication:


  • Weight loss supplements including phentermine must be stopped 14 days prior to surgery 
  • Aspirin
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID). Examples include: Motrin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox, etc.).
  • Anticoagulants, or blood thinners. Examples include: Clopidogrel (Plavix), Prasugrel (Effient), Ticagrelor (Brilinta) Warfarin (Coumadin), Dabigatran (Pradaxa), Apixaban (Eliquis), Edoxaban (Savaysa), Rivaroxaban (Xarelto), etc.
  • Vitamins, herbs, minerals, fish oil, and glucosamine should be stopped seven days prior to surgery, unless otherwise instructed by your surgeon or preadmission nurse. 



Going Home

Your physicians require a responsible adult to drive you home. A family member or close friend is preferred so they can also assist you in the day(s) following. You should have a responsible adult to stay with you for 24 hours after your procedure. You should not stay in a hotel alone after having surgery. You will not be allowed to leave the hospital in a taxi or bus.

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