Patient Instructions for General Surgery

You'll need to stop eating or drinking anything (even water) after midnight the night before. This helps prevent nausea or aspiration under anesthesia.

Your doctor may ask you to pause certain medications, especially blood thinners.

Bring a full list of active medications to your pre-op appointment.

Shower the night before with antibacterial soap. Wear clean, comfortable clothes.

Plan for someone to drive you home and stay with you at least the first night.

You'll likely feel groggy and sore. That's normal. Your care team will manage pain and help you ease back into movement.

Look at your incision daily. It's okay for it to be a little red or swollen at first, but call if you see any fluid or the wound opens up.