Surgery Pre-Op Instructions

For patients undergoing a surgical procedure, please review the following pre-op checklist:

1. If you drink liquor, beer or wine, stop drinking at least two days prior to surgery.
2. Do not eat or drink anything (as reminded earlier) after midnight the night before surgery.
3. If you develop a fever, cold, rash, or anything that may be of concern to you, call your doctor or the ASU department prior to your Surgery at 319-385-6171.
4. Have someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
5. Bring your Advanced Medical Directive if you have one.
6. If you smoke, stop or at least cut down prior to surgery and NO smoking after midnight.
7. Call 319-385-6171 or your surgeon if you have any questions!

Following are instructions for patients who will be undergoing a surgical procedure which involves an incision. This does not include: procedures on the face, head, eyes, nose or in the mouth; rectal, vaginal or urology procedures; or colonoscopy and esophagus/stomach endoscopy. If you have any questions, or are uncertain if you should do this, please call either your surgeon or the ASU department at 319-385-6171.

It is recommended that surgical patients perform a shower or bath both the evening before surgery, and the morning of surgery.

• You will receive 2 Chlorhexidine scrub brushes from your surgeon. If you do not receive these, please stop at the Ambulatory Surgery Department and we will give them to you.
• The night before surgery, take a shower or bath and wash using the sponge side of the scrub brush, being sure to focus on the part of the body that will be operated on.
• Repeat the shower or bath the morning of surgery, before going to the Hospital.
• DO NOT shave or remove hair at this time. This will be done at the hospital before surgery if necessary.
• If you have any questions, please call the Ambulatory Surgery Department at 319-385-6171.