Day of Surgery

Fluids and Food
Drinking fluids or eating food is not allowed after midnight to prevent vomiting during or after surgery. This will depend upon your anaesthetist and the time of your surgery. If you are in hospital the evening before your surgery, the nurse will inform you of the time your fluids will be taken away.

Gum should not be chewed because it contains sugar and increases secretions in your stomach. You may brush your teeth and rinse your mouth as necessary.

Valuables & Personal Items
It is recommended that all rings, watches, jewelry and money over the sum of $10 be sent home. Articles left at the bedside are not the hospital's responsibility. You should have change for telephone calls. After surgery, admitted patients should bring in personal items for a short hospital stay, eg. Kleenex, toothpaste, etc. Medic Alert bracelets or hearing aides will be left on.

Dentures, Cosmetics, and Perfumes
Before you are given your pre-op injection or pill, you will be asked to remove dentures, hairpins, contact lenses, prostheses (e.g. false eye-lashes) and cosmetics. Do not wear perfume. Dentures should be put in the container provided and placed in the top drawer of the bedside table to prevent accidental breakage. Nail polish, lipstick, and eye makeup must be removed entirely because it is necessary to see the true color of nail beds, eyelids, and lips during surgery.

Gown
You will be given a fresh gown which closes at the back. Long hair should be pulled back with an elastic band.

Bladder
You will be asked to empty your bladder. Sometimes your doctor may order a catheter to be inserted to drain the urine.

Pre-operative Medication
This medication is no longer routinely ordered. If you feel you need something to relax the morning of surgery, discuss it with your nurse. Once the medication has been given, the side rails will be raised, and you must remain in bed.

Going to the Operating Room
A porter will take you to the Operating Room on a stretcher.