Thank you for choosing us for your surgical care. We perform surgeries at each of our three hospitals – Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center, Ephraim McDowell Fort Logan Hospital, and Ephraim McDowell James B. Haggin Hospital. Your experience as our patient is very important to us. Preparing for surgery will help to make it a positive experience for you.
When you are scheduled for surgery, your surgeon’s office will provide you with a brochure or booklet that outlines the preparations you will need to make before your surgery. A pre-admission nurse will call you before your surgery to obtain your medical history and provide pre-operative instructions.
Medications
Do not take any medication after midnight the day before your surgery unless your physician or our hospital instructed you. Your doctor may allow you to take medication on the day of surgery. If so, you should use the smallest amount of water needed.
Eating
Do not drink or eat anything (including coffee, water, mints, or chewing gum) after midnight the day before your surgery. This reduces the chance of nausea and vomiting after anesthesia. You may brush your teeth, but remember not to swallow anything.
Tobacco
Do not use any form of tobacco (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, dip, snuff). We may cancel your surgery if you fail to follow these instructions.
Change in Your Health
Please notify your physician before coming to the hospital if there is any change in your physical condition, such as a cold or fever. You should also let your physician know if you are sensitive to latex.
Valuables
If you wear contact lenses or glasses, bring a case to store them safely. We provide containers for removable dentures and bridgework. All other valuables, including jewelry, should be left at home.
Skin Prep for Surgery
Please follow the instructions provided to you on preparing your skin prior to your surgery. Following these instructions will reduce your risk of infection at the surgical site.