Before Your Surgery
General Guidelines
- Depending on the type of surgery you will be having, you may be asked to undergo a bowel preparation. This procedure is sometimes required to ensure that your bowel is free of formed stool before the procedure.
- Fill prescriptions for medications that you will need following surgery BEFORE your surgery date.
- Have supplies you may need following surgery on hand at home BEFORE your surgery, including such items as:
- Tylenol/ibuprofen
- Band-aids
- Sanitary pads (if applicable)
Eating Guidelines
To ensure your comfort and reduce the risk of complications during your surgery/procedure we ask that you follow the eating instructions provided to you by your surgeon. If your physician has not given specific instructions, we ask that you follow the guidelines listed below beginning the night before your surgery/procedure:
- DO NOT eat solid food after midnight.
- Do not drink liquids within six (6) hours of your scheduled surgery time. If your surgery is scheduled before noon, you may drink only CLEAR LIQUIDS after midnight, including water, apple juice without pulp, clear carbonated beverages, black coffee or tea (no cream or milk).
After Your Minimally Invasive Surgery
At The Hospital
After surgery you will go to the PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) for about 1-2 hours. While you are in recovery, the hospital staff will closely monitor your vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, pulse, etc.), ensure that your pain is controlled, and keep you as comfortable as possible. Once you are stable you will be taken to your room where your family may see you.
If your surgery requires that you have a foley catheter, it is usually removed around 6 hours after surgery. At about this same time, most patients are ready for regular food and oral pain medications.
By the morning following surgery, most patients are eating a regular breakfast, getting out of bed on their own, voiding without difficulty and taking oral medications if/when needed. These are the criteria for discharge home. Most often your physician or an associate will see you in the morning after the surgery.
To learn more about post-operative procedures, download the information sheet for the type of surgery you are having:
