CAREFUL ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS WILL HELP ENSURE YOUR COMFORT AND REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF COMPLICATIONS.

Do not eat or drink anything including water, hard candy or chewing gum after midnight the day of your procedure, unless otherwise directed.

Undigested food in the stomach can cause complications and your surgery is likely to be postponed if you forget to follow these instructions. Bathe or shower and brush your teeth (taking care not to swallow any water) the morning or surgery.

This will assist you in feeling refreshed as well as minimize the chance of infection. If you wear contact lenses or glasses, bring the case. Remove all make-up, nail polish, hair clips, hairpins, contacts and jewelry. We also suggest that you wear casual, loose clothing, especially with procedures involving the extremities.

During your procedure, you will wear a patient gown provided by the Center. Arrange for an adult to accompany you to the center, drive you home, and stay with you for the first night following your surgery. Please have your ride remain with you until after registration so they can take any valuables you might have brought with you.

For afternoon procedures, your ride must be here as directed. Limit the number of people who accompany you to the Center. To maximize the comfort of all visitors, we suggest that adult patients be accompanied by only one person. We do welcome both parents of the pediatric patient to remain at the Center through surgery.

It would be better if siblings did not accompany pediatric patients, as they are not permitted in the patient care areas. If you experience any health changes between your most recent visit to your physician and the day of your procedure, notify your physician. Please report even minor changes, such as an elevated temperature, cough or cold. Refrain from smoking after midnight on the day of your procedure.

If you suspect that you are pregnant, please notify your surgeon. Anesthesia and medication may be harmful to the developing fetus. Bring Medicare or other insurance cards, along with your picture ID, Drivers license, and form of payment. Do not bring valuables, wallet, purse, credit cards, jewelry, cash, etc.

Our center may be cool. Please bring a jacket or sweater for your comfort. If we have not reached you two days prior to surgery, to review your medical history, pre-operative instructions, and financial arrangements, please call the Center at 772-464-8900.