James R. Dettling, MD

General Pre-Operative Instructions

  1. For a period of 3 days prior to surgery, wash the operative extremity with Lever 2000 antibacterial soap.  Do not shave the extremity on the day of surgery.  Any shaving that is required will be performed in the pre-operative holding area.

  2. Do not have anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery.  For surgical procedures scheduled late in the afternoon, a patient may have a light breakfast, however, you must fast (no food or drink) 8 hours prior to the scheduled procedure time otherwise the surgery may have to be postponed.

  3. Please contact the surgery center/hospital facility the day before your procedure to confirm the exact time of your surgery and the time that the facility requires you to arrive.  Occasionally, scheduled procedure times will change because of emergencies or cancellations.

  4. You should arrive at the surgery center/hospital 60-90 minutes prior to the scheduled surgery time.

  5. Prescriptions will be provided either at your pre-op visit or immediately following the procedure.

  6. Routine tests such as pre-operative labs, EKG, chest x-ray or medical clearance may be required prior to your surgical procedures.  Please obtain the required tests and/or clearance from your primary care physician at least 72 hours before the date of your surgery.

  7. Be sure to wear loose fitting clothing to the facility on the day of your procedure.

  8. Do not take any aspirin or medications containing aspirin for 7 days prior to the date of surgery.

  9. Do not have any alcoholic beverages for at least one (1) week prior to the date of surgery.

  10. If you should develop a cold, sniffles, a cough, pimples or pustules over the operative extremity in the week before surgery, notify our office immediate so that appropriate treatment can be prescribed so as not to delay your surgery.

  11. Make arrangements for transportation to and from the facility on the day of your procedure.  You must have a responsible individual available to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours following your surgical procedure.  If a responsible party/individual is not identified and confirmed to be available, your surgical procedure will be postponed!

  12. Please do not make any important decisions for a period of 24 hours following your surgery/anesthesia.

  13. Do not apply any lotions or moisturizers to your body the morning of your surgery.

  14. If you do not understand any portion of your pre-operative instructions, have any questions, concerns or require clarification of anything associated with your scheduled procedure, please contact Dr. Dettling or his staff for assistance.

The above instructions are general in nature.  Every patient's needs are different.  Specific pre- and post-operative instructions will be tailored to each individual.

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Signature of Patient or Legal Guardian                                                            Date