Call your surgeon if you have had any health changes or are ill, as the date of your operation may
need to be changed. London Health Sciences Centre is a smoke-free environment, for your health
it is best to quit smoking prior to your surgery.
When to stop eating and drinking before your procedure:
- Do not eat any solid food, jello, or broth after midnight.
- No chewing any gum or hard candies after midnight.
- You may drink clear fluids up to three (3) hours before your scheduled operation time.
- Clear fluids include: water, apple juice, popsicles/freezies, black coffee or tea (do not
add milk, whitener or creamer to your clear fluids).
Preparation for day of the procedure:
- Shower or bathe with non-scented soap.
- Do not apply lotion or creams, unless instructed by your surgeon. London Health
Sciences Center is a scent-free environment. - Bring two clean reusable/paper bags (one for shoes, one for clothes) and a clean reusable cup/water bottle with a lid on.
- Please remove jewelry, hair pins, piercings (ear or body), nail polish, contact lenses,
internal menstrual products (wear a pad if required), make-up, perfume, cologne,
aftershave, lotion, or hairspray prior to coming to the hospital. - Bring a container to put your dentures, glasses, and hearing aids in.
- Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes, and bring a comfortable pair of non-slip shoes.
- Bring crutches, braces, cooling cuffs, or any equipment that has been recommended by
your surgeon. - Bring your CPAP machine if you use one.
- Bring your Ontario Health Card.
- Bring all written instructions about your procedure.
- Leave valuables and money at home, London Health Sciences Centre will not be
responsible for lost or stolen items.
For 24 hours after your operation:
- You must not drive or operate hazardous machinery.
- You must not drink beer, wine or alcohol; or use recreational drugs.
- You must have a responsible adult accompany you home and stay with you
overnight.
Medication Instructions:
- Take only medications on the day of the surgery as directed by your surgeon or as
written on the Pre-Admit Best Possible Medication History. - Bring any medications that you are taking in the labeled containers from the pharmacy.
- Bring inhalers (puffers), eye drops, medicinal patches, sprays, and vitamins.
- Bring an updated and current Prescription or Medication list.
- Leave your narcotics, medical/recreational marijuana at home.
Support Person Instructions:
- Ensure your support person who is escorting you home remains in the hospital during
your procedure. - You may have up to one (1) responsible adult with you when you are being prepared for
your operation and prior to being prepared to go home.
What to expect the day of:
- After you register with the clerk, you will be given an identification band that will be
checked many times during your visit. - You will be brought to the room where they will prepare you for surgery.
- Your nurse will ask you questions about your health, medications, and when you last
had something to eat and drink. - The nurse will take your vitals (blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, temperature,
and oxygen levels). - The nurse will put in an intravenous line to give you fluids and medications.
- You will need to remove glasses, dentures, hearing aids, and any wig or hair pieces
before going into the operating room. - After the operation the nurse will monitor your vital signs, dressing, pain, and nausea
and give you medication if needed. - When you are ready to go home, the nurse will remove your intravenous line, provide
you with discharge education, and a prescription for pain medication if required. - It is normal to feel sleepy and forget parts of the day after you have surgery.
Patient Experience:
Your patient experience is important to us, and we welcome your feedback. You may
contact Patient Relations with any compliments or concerns 519-685-8500 extension 58230 or email
patientrelations@lhsc.on.ca
