Before Your Surgery

Pre-operative visit

The pre-operative visit may take several hours. You may also wish to bring a family member who will be assisting with your care.

The following activities are necessary before surgery:

1. Pre-registration
2. Blood work, EKG, urinalysis (You do not need to fast for blood work)
3. Chest X-ray
4. Meet the nurse practitioner or physician assistant
5. Anesthesia evaluation
6. Meet the nurse coordinator

Our surgical team members will discuss your upcoming surgery and plan of care with you and your family.

The nurse coordinator will go over:

• Pre-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative process of cardiac surgery
  
• Medications to continue or stop
  
• Incentive spirometer
• Sternal precautions
• Pain management
• Diet and nutrition post-surgery
• Other restrictions during your recovery
  
• Discharge planning: Home health care, rehab, or a skilled nursing facility (SNF) as needed.

Instructions for the day of surgery

You will also get instructions for the day of surgery which include:

• Check-in time
• Location of the surgery
  
• Medications
• Diet
  • DO NOT EAT OR DRINK anything after midnight the night before your surgery.
    
• Showering before your surgery
  • You will be required to shower with one anti-microbial soap the evening before surgery, and one anti-microbial soap on the morning of surgery before you come to the hospital. The anti-microbial soaps will be provided to you on the pre-operative day.