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.
- 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 any jewelry in.
- 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.
Pack a small overnight bag:
- Bring this bag with you on the day of surgery.
- Consider packing- a set of night clothes and slippers, personal care items (toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, soap, lotions, razor, comb, deodorant, tissues, and feminine hygiene products if required.
Medication instructions:
- Take only medications on the day of the surgery as directed by your surgeon or during the Pre-Admit Clinic Appointment.
- 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:
During COVID-19, there is a restricted visitor policy.
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 awake, your pain is controlled, and your assigned bed is available you will be brought to your hospital room.
If you have questions on what to expect in the hospital because of COVID-19, please visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates web page.
