Preparing for Surgery: A Pre-Operative Checklist

Good surgical outcomes start well before the procedure itself. Most of what determines a smooth surgery day is preparation that happens in the days and hours before you arrive.

Medication review is one of the most important steps. Some medications, particularly blood thinners, need to be paused on a specific schedule before surgery — never adjust or stop a medication without explicit instruction from your care team, even ones that seem routine.

Fasting guidelines exist for anesthesia safety, not as a general precaution. Following the specific timing you're given — not a general 'nothing after midnight' rule of thumb — matters more than people often assume.

Arrange transportation home in advance if you're having any sedation or anesthesia; you won't be permitted to drive yourself, regardless of how alert you feel afterward.

On the day itself, bring a list of current medications, any relevant prior imaging or records if they aren't already in our system, and comfortable clothing for after the procedure. Leave jewelry and valuables at home.