Pre-Operative Instructions

**All patients are required to have pre-operative blood work done. Labs must be done at least 5 days prior to surgery. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE YOUR LABS DONE YOUR SURGERY WILL BE CANCELED!**

Please let us know if you have a cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator, prosthetic valve or have had heart surgery.

Patients who are having surgery at Charlton Methodist Hospital must have pre-operative blood work done at the hospital. Please call 214-947-5500 to schedule your pre-operative appointment.

If you are having surgery at Pine Creek Medical Center or Specialty Surgery Center of Dallas you may have your blood work done at any Quest Laboratory or LabCorp.

ALL PATIENTS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT ONE WEEK AFTER SURGERY.

Before surgery:

• Do not eat or drink (this includes water and chewing gum) after MIDNIGHT the night before surgery. Your surgery will be canceled if you ignore this precaution.
• Bathe or shower the morning of surgery to minimize the risk of infection.
• Brush your teeth the morning of surgery.
• Do not consume alcohol 24 hours prior to surgery. Refrain from smoking 12 hours prior to surgery. These substances can cause adverse reactions to anesthesia and medication.
• Remove all make-up and nail polish before arrival.
• Wear loose comfortable clothing and low-heeled shoes.
• Leave jewelry and valuables at home.
• Health changes should be immediately reported to your surgeon even if the changes seem minor (ie, fever, cough, rash, cold, etc.)
• Bring all medications, insurance card and identification with you the day of surgery.
• Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours following surgery.
• Pediatric patients should have 2 adults available to take them home- one adult to drive and the other to attend to the recovering child.
• Arrive on time so that your surgery may begin as scheduled.