Pre-Surgical
INSTRUCTIONS
Pre-Surgical Instructions for Adults
Insurance Coverage
Make certain your insurance company benefits show confirmation of coverage.
Blood Transfusion
If your procedure may require blood transfusion, be sure to find out how far in advance is optimal to bank your own blood and still be healthy for surgery.
Pre-Operative Tests
All pre-operative tests such as blood work and EKG reports must be completed prior to your operation. If you have any cardiac history, a stress test or cardiology evaluation may be required.
Medication Alert
Do not use any aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve or prescription drugs containing these products during the 10 days before your procedure. They interfere with the coagulation of blood. This includes any non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs. You should also discontinue any regularly prescribed stimulants such as Adderall for 14 days.
Pharmacy
Have your pharmacy fill any prescriptions in advance so they are readily available after your procedure.
Transportation
The majority of patients stay in the hospital one to two days after sleep apnea surgery. Please make arrangements to have an adult drive you home from the hospital. For your safety, taxi and shuttle transportation is not acceptable.
Empty Stomach Before Surgery
For your protection, please do not eat or drink beginning 12:01 AM the day of your scheduled procedure. This includes water, coffee, breath mints and chewing gum. This precaution minimizes adverse effects some may experience such as vomiting from anesthesia the day of surgery.
Allowed Medication
If you are advised to take regularly scheduled medications such as blood pressure or cardiac medication, you should take it only with a sip of water the day of surgery.
Be aware of the average time of recovery from surgery. You need time to heal, so be sure to ask your surgeon how long the average post-surgery side effects last, such as swelling, pain, numbness, decreased energy levels and nerve regeneration. You may need to plan for time off from work and arrange to have friends or family to assist you during your recovery.
CPAP/BiPAP
If you have a CPAP or BiPAP machine, please take it with you to the hospital.