Preparing for Surgery
Months before your surgery
Multivitamins
Taking a multivitamin twice daily helps maintain or improve your general health. You may consider taking them once your date for surgery has been confirmed.
Smoking
Smoking affects healing negatively and can increase the risk of postoperative complications like infections and delayed wound healing. Stop smoking at least 1 month preoperatively until 1 month postoperatively. This “window” of 8 weeks will help contribute to uneventful healing and may serve as the stimulus you might need to stop smoking entirely.
Medications and Supplements to Avoid
Dr. Zelt will provide you with a complete list of medications, foods and supplements that may affect wound healing. These contain substances that can interfere with healing or cause excessive bleeding after surgery. Control minor pain prior to your surgery with medications containing acetaminophen (such as Tylenol).
Vitamin E
Please limit your daily intake of Vitamin E to less than 400 mg.
One week before surgery
Prescription for Pain Medication
Through the mail you will receive a prescription for pain medication. Please fill the prescription before the day of your surgery and bring your medications to the clinic with you.
One day before surgery
Confirmation of your Surgery
Dr. Zelt’s office will call you to confirm the date and time of your surgery. Please call us a day or two before your surgery at 514-933-3449 if you know you will be away and unable to receive this confirmation.
Prescriptions
Make sure you have your pain medication and set them out to bring with you to the clinic
Washing
During the evening, take a shower and wash using soap that does not contain perfumes or moisturizers.
Important
No eating or drinking after 12:00 (24:00) midnight. This includes water.
The Day of your Surgery
Important
Please do not take anything by mouth – no food or liquids including water.
Prescription Medication
If you normally take a medication in the morning, you may take it with a small sip of water in the early morning.
Oral hygiene
Brush your teeth normally and rinse your mouth with mouthwash. Do not swallow any water.
Washing
Take a morning shower and wash the surgical areas again with a soap that does not contain perfumes or moisturizers.
Clothing
Wear comfortable loose fitting clothing that does not go over your head. Please do not bring any valuables with you. Leave your jewelry at home including any you may have in the belly button area (navel rings or jewelry).
Procedure Day
The following is a description of what you may expect on the day of your procedure.
When you arrive at the clinic
You will receive directions to the operating facility at RocklandMD from my secretary Natalie prior to your surgery by mail and over the phone. Please be sure to arrive at least one hour before the scheduled time of your surgery.
Once at the clinic you’ll be greeted by the clinic’s friendly nursing staff. There is a comfortable waiting room for you and your support team. When ready, the nurses will help you change into a gown and warm bathrobe. You will then be able to relax as best you can before your surgery in a comfortable private room.
Preoperative Markings and Last Minute Instructions
Dr. Zelt will see you and review your procedure with you again. At this time, any markings on your skin that may be required will be completed.
The anesthetist will ask you some questions and explain to you about what anesthetic medications or techniques will be used for your procedure. He or she will also ask if you have any allergies to medications and if you have had any problems with general anesthesia in the past.
Please feel free to ask any last minute questions you have before your surgery.
Your Procedure
Once the time comes for your surgery, you’ll be taken by the nursing staff into the operating theatre. Once comfortable, the anesthetist will start a small intravenous on your hand or forearm. Feel free to talk with the people around you – the mood in the operating room is relaxed so don’t be afraid to talk if it helps you remain calm. Within a few minutes the anesthetist will provide you with some oxygen to breath by placing a mask over your mouth and nose. A moment or two later you’ll drift off to sleep.
The recovery room
You’ll wake up quickly following your surgery in what feels like only minutes after you thought we went into the operating room. Once in the recovery room, a nurse will be by your side attending to your every need. She’ll make sure you are comfortable and receiving enough pain medication. You may be given oxygen to help you breathe easier.
When you are ready to leave for home
The nurses will review with you a list of instructions to follow in the days following your surgery. When you have been able to go to the washroom and can walk with assistance you’ll be ready to leave the clinic for home. After helping you get dressed, the nurses will help you walk to the waiting area and finally out to your vehicle with your support team. Remember, you’ll need a ride home from your surgery from your family or friends.
When at home please following this advice
- Relax, relax, relax
- Avoid all strenuous activities
- Take your mediations for pain as you have been instructed by either Dr. Zelt or the nursing staff
- Please leave your dressings intact. They will be removed by Dr. Zelt or a nurse on your first postoperative visit – usually 4 to 7 days later.
If you'd like to know more, please contact us.