Surgery Information Sheet

(please read carefully and completely before your surgery)

You have been scheduled (or tentatively scheduled) for surgery here at our practice. This information will help you prepare for your procedure. Read it carefully and completely.

1. We strongly recommend that you bring someone along with you the day of surgery if at all possible. That person should drive you home after your procedure.
2. Eat a light breakfast or lunch the day of surgery.
3. The medications listed below should be stopped 5-7 days before surgery IF YOUR REGULAR PHYSICIAN ALLOWS IT. These medications are known to increase bleeding risks. However, to repeat, DO NOT stop any medication prescribed to you by a doctor (even if it is on this list) without permission from that doctor. This is VERY important. Some patients need to maintain their medication even with the slightly increased bleeding risks, depending upon the reason for the medication and/or their doctor’s opinion. If you do need to stay on the medication (e.g. Aspirin), we can still perform surgery in most cases. Here is the list of medicines/substances that can increase bleeding risks :
   • ASPIRIN including Baby Aspirin, 81 mg aspirin, Ecotrin, Bufferin, Goody powders, Alka seltzer
   • Other Blood Thinners such as Coumadin, Warfarin, Plavix, Eliquis, Xarelto
   • All alcohol products : avoid drinking alcohol the day before and the day of surgery.
4. Except for medications details in #3 above, take your regularly prescribed medications on the day of surgery.
5. You might be given a prescription for an antibiotic and/or a pain medication. These medications are important for your upcoming surgery. In general, you will start your antibiotic the day before or day of surgery – read the instructions for details. The prescription for pain medication is given for possible pain you might experience after your surgical procedure. Sometimes, pain medication is not prescribed because your doctor knows that Tylenol will suffice for your particular procedure.
6. Depending upon the type of surgery you require, you may be here for an extended time on the day of surgery. If you are having Mohs Micrographic Skin Cancer Surgery (you will be advised of this), you will probably be here between 2 and 4 hours on your surgical day, depending on how quickly your skin cancer margins are cleared. You might want to bring along a good book to pass the time.
7. Please understand that your surgical appointment is reserved for you. It is a high priority for us and for you. If you need to cancel this appointment for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible.

Please feel free to call us with any questions regarding your surgery. We look forward to taking excellent care of you!

Click here to download this surgery information sheet in PDF format.