Before Surgery
You play a major role in helping your surgical procedure at Pella Regional Health Center flow as smoothly as possible. Be sure to ask any questions about your surgery during your presurgical appointments.
Presurgical Exams & Interviews
Within a month before surgery, you may be asked to complete a preoperative exam tailored to your specific needs and upcoming procedure. Your exam may include:
- Blood draws or laboratory exams
- Heart tests, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs)
- Imaging, including X-rays or ultrasounds
Depending on your physical health, your doctor may need to make sure your heart and lungs are strong enough for anesthesia and surgery.
Preoperative Interview
Before your surgery, you’ll be in touch with a case manager to set up a preoperative interview and health history review to ensure your safety during the surgery.
Staying Healthy
Stay as healthy as possible before your surgery. Contact your surgical team right away if you develop any health-related issues, including:
- Cold or flu symptoms
- Fever
- Persistent cough
- Sore throat
Taking Your Medication
Before your surgery, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking certain prescription drugs, especially blood thinners (Coumadin, Warfarin, and Plavix). Usually it’s best to discontinue these medications at least five days before surgery.
One week before surgery, you should stop taking:
- Aspirin
- Fish oil (omega-3 supplements)
- Herbal medications
- Ibuprofen
Day & Night Before Surgery
You’ll receive instructions before your surgery for when to arrive for check-in. Within 24 hours before surgery, you should:
- Avoid food and drink after midnight, including water, hard candy, or chewing gum
- Bathe or shower, with special attention to the area where your surgery will be performed
- Get a good night’s rest (at least seven hours of sleep)
- Not smoke, especially the morning of the procedure
- Take your bedtime or morning doses of any heart or blood pressure medication, unless you have other instructions from your doctor or surgeon
Your care team and primary care doctor work with you for the best possible outcome after surgery.
