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Pre-op
Examination
A patient's initial appointment with the Neurosurgeon
is called a consultation and includes an evaluation of
general health, review of the patient's medical history,
findings from X-rays, CT scans, MRI studies and /or other
diagnostic tests. It is extremely important to bring any
x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans with you to your scheduled appointment
and prior to any surgical procedure. You will be asked
to complete a brief medical history questionnaire prior
to seeing the doctor. You will also be asked to provide
a list of any medications that you are currently taking
and any allergies that you may have. The preoperative
evaluation identifies conditions that could cause surgical
complications. Any condition effecting the cardiovascular,
pulmonary, musculoskeletal, nervous, gastrointestinal,
or endocrine system can increase surgical risk. A clear
understanding of these potential problems makes the surgical
procedure safer. In some cases, the patient is referred
to a medical specialist prior to elective surgery.
Pre-op
Instructions
 If
you regularly take medication of any kind, including
over the counter medications, your doctor may need to
make medication changes before or after surgery. Ask
your surgeon about taking your regular medications,
including aspirin, ant-inflammatory drugs, coumadin,
and other anti-inflammatory drugs, before surgery.
If
you smoke, try to quit or at least cut down before surgery.
Your
doctor may discuss blood donation with you, in case
you need a blood transfusion to replace blood lost during
surgery.
You
may be asked to scrub the area where your incision will
be made. If this area has hair, it may be shaved at
the hospital.
You
will probably be admitted to the hospital the day of
surgery. Patients who have a scheduled admission will
receive a telephone call from the Admitting Department
prior to their admission date. You will be given individual
instruction regarding how to get ready for the procedure.
Bring your insurance cards or forms with you to the
hospital.
You
will be instructed not to eat or drink anything after
midnight the night before surgery. If you do eat
or drink after midnight your surgery may be cancelled
because of the risk of vomiting and breathing stomach
contents into your lungs during surgery.
Before
you have surgery, you will be asked to sign a surgery
consent form. It is important that you talk to your
doctor about any questions or concerns that you or your
family may have regarding your surgical care.
Leave
your valuables, such as watches and jewelry at home.
Remove
makeup before surgery, especially nail polish and lipstick.
The surgical staff needs to see your natural coloring.
Remove dentures and glasses before surgery.
Inpatients:
Bring your personal toiletries and pajamas, robe, and
slippers for your own comfort after surgery. Also bring
your medication list (name, dose, how often you take
them.)
Outpatients:
Wear comfortable loose fitting clothes.
Bring
any recent test results.
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