Before Your Surgery

How to Prepare for Surgery

Thank you for choosing Henry Mayo Hospital for your surgery. These are some important steps you can take to help ensure a smooth recovery:

1. Choose Your Coach

Your coach is the person who will be helping you before and after surgery. It can be your spouse, a family member or a friend. Pick someone who will be supportive and available to help you through your journey. It’s also helpful for them to come along with you to your pre-surgery appointments and your pre-surgery education class.

2. Pre-Surgery Clearance

See your primary care provider at least one month prior to surgery for an exam to make sure you are medically cleared for surgery and to go over your medications. You will be told what medications you are to continue taking prior to surgery. If you have heart problems, you will also need to see your cardiologist.

3. Pre-Surgery Clinic

Please make an appointment with the pre-surgery clinic prior to surgery. This is where you will have your COVID-19 test done and any lab work ordered by your doctor. The nurses will review your medical history and communicate any concerns with the anesthesiologist. The pre-surgery clinic is open Monday-Friday from 9am to 6pm in the Outpatient Surgery Building in suite 310. The phone number is 661-200-1391.

4. Prepare Your Home

Remove any clutter and tripping hazards such as throw rugs and cords. Now is the time to stock up on meals and make sure everything is in an easy-to-reach place.

5. Attend the Pre-Surgery Education Class

Sign up for our pre-surgery education class taught by our orthopedic nurse navigator and bring your coach with you. The class has the necessary information to help you prepare for surgery and start you on the path to a successful recovery.

6. Chlorhexidine Soap

Use soap as instructed in class or can be purchased at a pharmacy beginning two nights before surgery, the night before surgery, and the morning of surgery. Click HERE for specific instructions.

7. Be On-Time

You will be directed to show up 2 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time. Enter through the main entrance of the hospital and report to admitting. You will then be directed to the preoperative area. Please be considerate and show up on time, being late may delay your case and all cases that follow you.

8. Leave Valuables at Home

Bring only essential items with you: ID, insurance card, advance directive, glasses, dentures, hearing aids, CPAP/BiPAP machine, cell phone, list of medications including dosages and last time you took them, and loose-fitting clothing.