Surgery Instructions for Patients Receiving IV Sedation or General Anesthesia
These instructions apply to office surgery only!! **For hospital cases follow hospital instructions.
DO NOT Eat Any Solid Foods or Heavy Liquids (like milk) for 8 hours.
You may have water and only water up to 3 hours before surgery. (One Glass)
You may also have a “sip” of water to take any medical medications (except blood thinners like Coumadin, Asprin, and Vitamin E) up to one hour prior to anesthesia.
If you must take 4 antibiotic tablets or capsules prior to oral surgery for heart murmurs or Orthopedic joint replacement you may take them with four sips of water. Only take enough water to swallow the pills. Take them one hour prior to your scheduled surgery.
DO NOT chew gum, candy, lifesavers, etc. for 8 hours before anesthesia.
Bring a driver and have the driver wait in the waiting room until you are ready to be discharged. A minor must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. If you must take a taxi – an Adult must accompany you.
Please wear loose clothing or short sleeves – it helps with the “IV”
Nail Polish should not be worn or at least removed from your “right index finger” for monitoring purposes.
You may brush your teeth and rinse with mouthwash just prior to leaving home, but spit everything out.
Do not drink alcohol or take illegal drugs at least 24 hours prior to your anesthesia or surgery.
If you are an asthmatic – bring your inhaler with you.
If you are Diabetic, bring your insulin and blood sugar tester.