Pre-Surgery Checklist

We are glad you have chosen West Tennessee Healthcare – Henry County Hospital to care for you during your upcoming surgery. All patients who are having surgery must go through Pre-Admission Testing no more than 7 days prior to surgery, but at least 24 to 48 hours prior. You must schedule an appointment for Pre-Admission Testing by calling 731-644-8486, option 2 prior to this appointment.

When you arrive for your Pre-Admissions Testing appointment, please be prepared to provide the following:

  • A list of all of your medications, including over-the-counter medicines and herbal remedies.
  • A list of your past medical and surgical history.
  • A list and a pen and paper ready to make notes of special instructions given to you by the nurse.
  • If your doctor gives you a form listing the tests you need to have, please bring it with you for presurgical testing.
  • Below is a checklist to follow in preparing for your upcoming surgery.

Preparing for Surgery

Start Now:

  • Stop smoking: Smoking reduces circulation to the skin and impedes healing. Smokers have a higher incidence of complications so it’s good time to stop. If you need assistance with smoking cessation opportunities or education, please conatct Pre-Admission Testing for more information at (731) 644-8517.
  • Stop taking Multivitamins, Vitamin E, and Herbal medications: Stop taking at least three days prior to your surgery date.
  • Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen: Stop taking medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen at least three days prior to surgery. Review the list of dugs containing aspirin or ibuprofen carefully. Such drugs can cause bleeding problems during and after surgery. Instead, use medications containing acetaminophen (such as Tylenol). If you have any doubts as whether or not to take medications, please call your attending physician. A list of medications containing aspirin and ibuprofen is available from Pre-Admission Testing.
  • Changes in health: If you experience any health changes between your last visit to your physician and the time of your procedure, please notify your physician immediately. Also report any signs of a head cold, chest cold, fever, sore throat, fever blister or a sore in the area to be operated.

The Day Before Surgery

  • Rest: Get a good night’s rest.
  • Cleansing: The night before surgery, shower or bathe using Dial soap.
  • Eating and Drinking: Do not eat or drink anything after 12 Midnight. This includes water, gum, and hard candy.
  • Alcohol/tobacco: Do not use alcohol or tobacco within 24 hours of surgery.

The Morning of Surgery

  • Special Information: Do not eat or drink anything! If you take daily medications, you may take it with a sip of water in the early morning.
    • Eye Drops: Apply your daily eye drops before you come and bring the bottle(s).
    • Inhalers: Use your routine inhaler(s) before you come and bring the inhaler(s).
    • If you are diabetic, please check your blood sugar before you come.
  • Oral Hygiene: Please brush your teeth (or rinse mouth if you have dentures), but, do not swallow the water.
  • Cleansing: Shower and wash again with Dial soap.
  • Make-Up/Contact Lenses: Please do not wear moisterizers, creams, lotions, perfume, contact lenses, nail polish or make-up on the day of surgery.
  • Clothing: Wear only comfortable, loose fitting clothing that does not go over your head. Remove hairpins, wigs, watches, jewelry (including any body piercing), or dentures/partial plates. Please do not bring valuables with you.
  • Check in, Preparation: You will receive a phone call prior to your date of surgery with when you should arrive at the hospital and any additional information you may need.

You must make arrangements in advance for a friend or family member to drive you home after your discharge. Under no circumstances will you be allowed to operate a motor vehicle if you have received sedation or general anesthesia.

For any question, please call 644-8517 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.