Getting Ready for Surgery

What should I expect before I come in for my surgery procedure?

pre-op

Before you have surgery, you will likely have a pre-operative (pre-op) appointment can help doctors and nurses learn more about your overall health and find potential problems.

What will occur at this pre-surgery appointment?

Pre-op appointments include questions about your health and medical history along with tests that may include:

  1. Blood Work: You may need to have blood drawn on more than one occasion before the surgery. A complete blood count (CBC) looks at white cells (infection fighters) and red blood cells that carry oxygen to cells. Unusual numbers may mean your surgery has to be postponed. You may need to fast before blood work, so be sure and follow instructions about what and when you should eat before your appointment.
  2. Urine Test: Laboratory tests of urine may indicate problems with nutrition, dehydration, diabetes or infection.
  3. Chest X-ray: Patients over the age of 50 or those with a history of smoking or lung disease may need to have a chest X-ray before surgery. This test can detect infection in the lungs and lung disease. A chest X-ray also shows the size of your heart and whether fluid is collecting in the lungs.
  4. Electrocardiogram: An electrocardiogram or EKG looks at your heart’s electrical activity. By examining the EKG strip, your doctor can tell if you’ve ever had a heart attack, how your heart is working and whether your heart is beating normally.

What other questions will I be asked at this appointment?

  1. During your pre-op appointment, you’ll also be asked questions about your health history including any medical problems, allergies or prior surgeries.
  2. You’ll have your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation levels measured.
  3. Your height and weight will be recorded.
 Do I need to bring anything to this appointment?

Yes. You should bring a list of all medications with you to the pre-op appointment. The list should include prescriptions, over-the-counter and herbal or vitamin supplements along with the dosage and how often you take the medication. If you don’t want to develop a list, just put everything in a bag and bring it with you.