Before Surgery
Experience peace of mind when you schedule surgery at OSF HealthCare. Rest assured that your surgery will go as smoothly and safely as possible when you know what to expect and how to prepare for your operation.
Before Scheduling Surgery
Before any surgical procedure, you’ll meet with an OSF HealthCare surgeon to have a physical exam and go over:
- Your medical history
- Treatment options
- Alternatives to surgery
During this appointment, be sure to bring up any questions or concerns you have about surgery. You can download a surgery discussion guide to bring with you. You’re also welcome to bring a loved one who can help support you and ask questions.
If you and your surgeon decide surgery is the right choice, you’ll schedule the operation. Your surgeon’s office will tell you what to expect before, during and after the procedure. You’ll also receive a list of instructions to follow leading up to surgery.
Insurance Coverage
Most surgeries need prior approval from your health insurance provider. So, speak with your insurance provider about coverage beforehand. Contact your surgeon’s office for help
After Scheduling Surgery
A week or two before surgery, you’ll receive a call from an OSF HealthCare preadmission nurse who will:
- Schedule any presurgical tests
- Ask about your current health
- Ask about your insurance coverage
A Few Days Before Surgery
A day or two before your surgery, an OSF HealthCare nurse will call you with details about your scheduled procedure. You’ll learn:
- Directions to your surgery location
- Instructions for checking in on the day of your appointment
- Your scheduled arrival time
Signs of Sickness
In the days leading up to your surgery, keep an eye out for illness. Call your doctor or surgical office immediately if you have:
- A cough
- A fever over 100 degrees
- A skin rash
- Any other sign of illness
The Night Before Surgery
The night before your procedure, fast as instructed and follow presurgical hygiene guidelines.
Fasting Before Surgery
Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight before your surgery. Even a very small amount of food or liquid left in your stomach during surgery can cause you to choke while unconscious. Tell your surgical team immediately if you accidentally eat or drink:
- Any food
- Any drinks, including water
- Chewing tobacco
- Gum
- Mints
Medicine
Take any medicine your doctor orders the night before surgery. You can swallow your medicine with a small sip of water. Your preadmission instructions go over the details of taking medicine before surgery.
Avoid Smoking
Don’t smoke before your surgery. Smoking before a procedure makes it more likely something could go wrong. Smoking also makes it harder to recover after your procedure.
Hygiene
Clean skin helps you avoid getting an infection after your surgery. The night before and the morning of your procedure, take a shower or a bath with antibacterial soap. Dry off with a clean towel. Don’t shave the area where you’ll have surgery. For instance, if you’re having surgery on your lower leg, you shouldn’t shave your legs. Gently clean your belly button with a cotton bud. If your doctor gives you Hibiclens® packets, use those to clean yourself. You should also remove:
- Contacts
- Fake nails, if your preadmission nurse tells you to
- Makeup
- Nail polish
Speak to a Surgery Expert
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an OSF HealthCare surgeon. We’ll schedule a consultation with one of our kind and compassionate surgical experts. Need a primary care provider? Browse our directory.
Search DoctorsIn the spirit of Christ and the example of Francis of Assisi, the Mission of OSF HealthCare is to serve persons with the greatest care and love in a community that celebrates the Gift of Life.