Pre-op Instructions

Same-Day Surgery

• You will need someone that can bring you home after surgery. For at least the next 24 hours, you cannot drive.
• Do not eat or drink on your trip home.
• Vomiting and nausea is often the result of the combination of food, car motion, and anaesthesia. Once at home, do not eat until you are hungry. Eat a small meal and avoid greasy foods for the first 24 hours.
• If your surgery was on an extremity (arm, hand, elbow, leg or knee), be sure to elevate the extremity and use ice as directed by your doctor.
• Pain medicine should be taken as directed by your doctor. When you become uneasy, but prior to unbearable pain, begin the pain medication. Do not hesitate to take the medication until the pain is unbearable otherwise you will have trouble keeping the pain under control.