While surgery can be stressful, the doctors, surgeons and nurses at Carthage Area Hospital will do everything they can to make sure your procedure goes as smoothly as possible. To help you prepare, follow this general surgery checklist. It can help you get everything in order and feel more confident when it’s time to check in.
- Ask questions. Talk to your surgeon about any and all concerns you might have regarding the surgery.
- Learn about the procedure. Find out what you can expect to happen before, during and after the surgery to help you feel more prepared.
- Follow pre–op instructions. You were most likely given a set of pre-operative instructions. Follow them closely. For example, you may have to stop eating and drinking in the hours leading up to the procedure and remove any jewelry and nail polish.
- Manage medications. If you take regular medications, be sure to tell your surgeon about them. He or she may ask you to stop taking them prior to surgery or provide other specific instructions.
- Report any illness. If you become ill with a fever, sore throat, cold or flu, notify your surgeon’s office right away.
- Prepare your house. As you recover, you’ll probably be resting a lot and may need special accommodations. Make sure your home is prepped and ready to go.
- Get everything settled at work. If necessary, request time off work for the surgery and arrange for a coworker to fill in for you while you’re gone.
- Pack a bag. If you’ll be staying overnight, bring some loose, comfortable clothing to change into as well as any toiletries, electronics and other forms of entertainment you might need. Leave any valuables at home.
- Bring a loved one. Arrange for someone to stay with you during your surgery and post-op recovery. It helps to have a familiar face there who can help keep track of information for you. Plus, if you have anesthesia, you’ll need someone to drive you home.
Contact Carthage Area Hospital with Questions
Remember, it’s normal to feel scared or anxious before having surgery, but we’re standing by to help put your mind at ease. If you have any questions, please contact the General Surgery department at Carthage Area Hospital for more information about your procedure or details on parking and directions by calling 315-493-0110.