Preparing For Surgery
To ensure the best possible outcome...
...Take surgical preparation very seriously.
For the best results and safest outcomes, be sure to review and follow this presurgery information guide and checklist.
- Preoperative preparation can include blood work, medical evaluation, chest X-ray and an EKG, depending on your age and medical condition.
- After Dr. McRae reviews with you the potential risks and benefits of the operation, you will need to provide written consent for surgery.
- Blood transfusion and/or blood products may be needed, depending on your condition.
- It is recommended that you shower the night before or morning of the operation.
- The rectum and colon must be completely empty before colonoscopy or colon surgery. Usually, the patient must drink a special cleansing solution. You may be on clear liquids, laxatives and enemas prior to the operation. Dr. McRae or his staff will give you instructions regarding the cleansing routine to be used.
- After midnight the night before the operation, you should not eat or drink anything except medications that Dr. McRae has told you are permissible to take with a sip of water the morning of surgery.
- Drugs such as aspirin, blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medications (arthritis medications) and vitamin E will need to be stopped temporarily for several days to a week prior to surgery.
- Take any antibiotics prescribed by Dr. McRae according to his instructions.
- Diet medication or St. John’s wort should not be used for two weeks prior to surgery.
- Quit smoking and arrange for any help you may need at home.
- Follow any additional surgery-specific instructions that Dr. McRae gives you.
If you do not properly complete the above general preparations and any additional surgery-specific instructions given by Dr. McRae, it may be unsafe to undergo the surgery, and it may have to be rescheduled.