SurgeryMar 05, 2026•7 min read
Before Surgery: Practical Do’s and Don’ts for a Safer Procedure
A clear checklist to help you prepare for surgery—medications, fasting, paperwork, and what to avoid on the day of admission.
Why preparation matters
Good preparation reduces last‑minute cancellations and helps the anesthesia and surgical teams plan safely around your health conditions and medications.
Always follow your surgeon’s instructions
This guide is general education. Your surgeon’s plan (especially for diabetes, blood thinners, or heart conditions) overrides everything here.
Do’s (48–72 hours before)
- Carry a list of current medicines and allergies.
- Share prior anesthesia history (nausea, difficult intubation, reactions).
- Arrange a responsible adult for pickup and the first night (day-care surgeries).
- Eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, and sleep well.
Don’ts (common causes of postponement)
- Don’t hide recent fever/cough or infections—tell us early.
- Don’t take over‑the‑counter painkillers without confirming (some affect bleeding).
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol close to surgery—both increase risks.
- Don’t ignore fasting rules; eating/drinking at the wrong time can delay surgery.
Day-of-surgery essentials
- Arrive on time with reports and ID.
- Remove jewelry, nail polish, contact lenses (as advised).
- Confirm consent forms and the correct procedure/site.
- Ask about expected recovery, pain plan, and discharge criteria.
Need a consultation?
For symptoms, follow‑ups, or a second opinion, book an appointment with our team.
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