Pre-Op Clinic

The pre-operative clinic prepares patients for their planned elective surgery.

After consulting with the surgeon, your surgery will be booked through the central booking office. You will receive a phone call or a letter by mail from the OR booking clerk informing you of the date of your surgery, the anesthetist for your surgery and also the specific time for your pre-operative clinic visit with the pre-op nurse. On the day of your pre-op visit you must first stop in at the admission and discharge desk to pre-admit yourself. You may be requested to go to the lab. Please call the phone number for the confirmation line as soon as possible to confirm your surgical date.

Upon arrival at pre-operative clinic, the following 10 minute dvd presentation about the Operative day is offered to all patients.

You will then see the nurse. You will learn about your pre and post-operative care, the time you need to arrive at the hospital the morning of your surgery, the time of your surgery, and the general time of your discharge after the procedure. You will also learn about fasting prior to surgery and be asked about allergies and medications. Please bring a printed record of all your current medications, doses, and times taken each day. A current pharmacy prescription print out would be ideal.

At the end of your visit, you will be asked to sign an Informed Operative Consent and the nurse will witness your signature.

Pre-Operative instructions

• Do not eat solid food after midnight. You may have clear fluids up to 3 hours before your operation time (unless the anesthesiologist tells you otherwise). (water, apple juice, or tea, but no dairy products, coffeemate or cream) If you do not follow these instructions, your operation may be cancelled.
• Take a shower or bath the night before or the morning of your operation unless directed otherwise by your Surgeon.
• Leave all valuables at home.
• Remove all jewelry, makeup, nail polish, acrylic nails, contact lenses and prosthesis. If necessary, wear a sanitary napkin instead of a tampon. If required, bring your denture cup, contact lens or glasses case.
• Wear comfortable clothing. Children may wear their own pajamas if the top has buttons down the front.
• Do not drink alcohol in the 24 hours prior to your operation. Do not sign legal documents or operate a motor vehicle in the 24 hours following your operation, as you are considered to be legally impaired. Arrange for a ride home or bring cab fare.
• People are asked to arrive at the hospital 90 minutes before their operation to allow time for appropriate preparation. Sometimes the operative times have to be changed due to emergencies. You may wish to bring something to help pass the time while you wait. If your child is having an operation he or she will need all your attention after surgery so, please arrange for care, outside the hospital, for your other children at home.

For adults having an operation, only one family member or friend may accompany you to the Surgical Day Care Unit.