Preoperative Instructions

• Preparing for Surgery
• The Night Before Surgery
• The Morning of Surgery
• For Patients Staying Overnight
• When to Arrive
• Special Precautions
• Frequently Asked Questions

Preparing for Surgery

Our nurses will contact you before your surgery to complete a pre-operative assessment. If we have not reached you by the day prior to your surgery, please call 650-324-8500 and ask to speak to a nurse regarding your pre-operative assessment.

You will also be contacted by our registration staff to complete admitting and insurance information. An estimate of your financial obligation will be made at that time. Please bring your insurance or Medicare card, a copy of your Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) and any payment required on the day of surgery. If you do not have an AHCD, you can download this AHCD document (.pdf).

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The Night Before Surgery

Do not eat any solid food or drink any liquids after midnight. This includes water, chewing gum and mints. Rinse your mouth without swallowing any liquid when you brush your teeth.

It is recommended that you refrain from smoking the day before and the morning of your surgery.

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The Morning of Surgery

Shower or bathe to minimize the chance of infection.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing to the hospital. For surgery involving the face, chest or abdominal area, a zippered or button-down garment is preferable. You will find this especially helpful when returning home, as you will want to avoid any unnecessary pressure on sensitive surgery sites.

Wear flat shoes. Slip-on styles are best.

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For Patients Staying Overnight

Bring any prescription medication or herbal supplements you are currently taking on a regular basis to the hospital in their original containers. Do not bring pain medication. Any pain medication you require will be provided at the hospital. Ask your physician if you should take your medication the day of your surgery.

Leave jewelry and other valuables at home. If you wear contact lenses, bring your glasses with you.

A patient gown, robe, towels, toothbrush and toothpaste will be available to you in your suite, but you are welcome to bring your own comfortable night clothes and slippers. Bring any additional personal toiletry items you require.

Visiting hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. everyday. After 7:30 p.m. visitors will need to ring the doorbell to the left of the front door for admittance. One visitor may receive complimentary meals during your stay. You may have one guest over the age of 18 stay overnight with you in your suite. A hide-a-bed couch is provided.

As every patient suite is equipped with a TV/VCR, you may wish to bring along some favorite videos to enjoy in addition to the ones available from our VHS library.

You may bring a calling card or cell phone to make personal calls from your room. Please remember cell phones should not be used in the hallway.

Patients are discharged at 11 a.m. Please arrange to be picked up at or before that time.

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When to Arrive

Please check in at the reception desk one and a half hours prior to your scheduled surgery time. You will need to go through the admission packet with the admission clerk and a nurse, prepare for your surgery and meet with the anesthesiologist and physician. Pain management patients are required to check in one hour prior to the scheduled time.

For early morning surgery patients, please ring the doorbell for admittance. On occasion, surgery times can change. Please make sure we have your correct phone number to contact you the day of the surgery if we need you to arrive before your originally scheduled time.

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Special Precautions

Contact your surgeon or MPSH immediately if you experience any change in your health. Even a minor elevation in your temperature, a cold or a cough should be reported.

If you are a woman of childbearing age and suspect you may be pregnant, please notify your surgeon. Anesthesia and medications may be harmful to a developing fetus.

If you normally take medications during the fasting period, check with your surgeon to see if you should take them the night before or morning of your surgery.

You must have a family member or friend drive you home after surgery. If you do not have transportation, the staff will assist you in calling a taxi.

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Frequently Asked Questions

For more information, you can view a list of frequently asked questions.

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