• Before your surgery/procedure, shower three times using a 4% chlorahexidine gluconate wash (“Hibiclens”) available at most drug stores. Skin bacteria are the most common cause of postoperative surgical wound infections. Please shower two nights before, the night before and the morning of your scheduled surgery. Follow the product label instructions. Use clean washcloths or towels to dry after each shower.
• Do not shave around your surgical area for at least two days prior to your surgery/procedure. Shaving will cause tiny nicks and cuts that increase your risk of infection.
• Please do not apply any lotion, make-up, creams or powders on face or body the day of surgery. Do not wear any nail polish, contact lenses, watches or jewelry.
• Stop smoking at least two weeks prior to your surgery/procedure. Smoking constricts your blood vessels and makes normal healing more difficult.
• Stay warm. Make sure you are warm when you come in for your surgery/procedure. Maintaining a warm body temperature lowers your chance for infection.
• If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar below 200mg/dl. High blood sugar increases your risk for infection.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages or use recreational drugs 24 hours prior to surgery.
• Do not eat anything after midnight the night before your surgery. The pre-admission Registered Nurse will instruct you when to stop drinking clear liquids. Clear liquids include water, black coffee (no creamer), tea, apple juice, other non-red juices you can see through and electrolyte sports drinks up to 16 oz. You may brush your teeth and rinse your mouth the day of your surgery/procedure.
• Leave valuables at home. Do not bring large amounts of money or valuables such as tablets and laptops to the hospital. The staff cannot be held responsible for your valuables.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid buttons and snaps if possible
• Take medications ONLY as instructed by your doctor or pre-admission nurse the day of your surgery. Please DO NOT bring your own medications to the hospital unless specifically instructed.
• Please have a responsible adult available to stay with you at home after your surgery/procedure.
• If you feel sick, call your doctor immediately for instructions.

What to Bring

• Insurance, prescription cards and picture ID.
• A list of medications, including name, dose and how often you take each one.
• Inhalers (if directed).
• Eye drops (if directed).
• Financial payment, if required by your insurance provider.
• If you are being admitted to the hospital following your surgery, bring personal hygiene items like a toothbrush and hair brush. Please keep your belongings with your family or in your car until needed.
• A copy of your Advance Directive (if available).
• A case to hold items such as dentures, glasses or hearing aids.
• Please wear your dentures and hearing aids. Do not wear denture adhesive.
• Bring any inhalers with you and your C-PAP machine if you use one.
• Bring your health insurance card, photo identification and co-payment
• Bring a case for your eyeglasses or contact lenses, hearing aids or dentures.
• If you have a heart defibrillator or an AICD, please let the pre-admission nurse know in advance. Please bring your card with you.
• Please bring a copy of your Advanced Directive or Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care if available.