Pre-Procedure Information
This information is not meant to replace any specific instructions provided to you by our health care team. There are certainly additional individual considerations. This information is provided as a general guideline to assist in proper preparation and considerations surrounding a successful outcome and experience.
Before procedure BLOOD THINNERS (substances that affect platelet function and the ability for blood to clot): It is very important to discuss the taking of any blood thinning medications or supplements before surgery. In some cases the continued taking of these substances would be appropriate however, in many cases depending on the particular procedure, a change in taking blood thinners is required. An example of common substances that affect platelet function are aspirin, aspirin containing substances (Goody powders), Eliquis, Xerelto, plavix, ibuprofin, motrin, effient to name a few. We are not instructing anyone to stop blood thinning medications without specific instructions to do so. To avoid delays in surgery please be sure to alert us to the use of any blood thinning substances.
FOOD and LIQUIDS by mouth or tube feeding before surgery. For safety of anesthesia reasons, solid and liquid substances by mouth before a procedure involving anesthesia or with the possibility of needing IV sedation or general anesthesia is restricted. Patient's are given a time to stop any solids or anything by mouth (including chewing gum) except air, water, gatorade or black coffee based on the expected time of surgery which is no closer than 8 hours before the procedure. Patients may have water or gatorade totaling 2 cups (16 oz) up to 2 hours before surgery. Except for an emergency, deviation from these requirements will most likely result in a delay or need to reschedule the procedure. Aspiration (Liquids and solids entering the lungs) is a potentially very serious risk to a persons health and these restrictions are designed to limit that risk.
FLYING: Although this is not a pre-surgical restriction for a particular surgery, it is an important consideration when planning a procedure. Ear surgery, nasal and sinus surgery have special considerations with flying or other activities with air pressure changes of a significant degree. If a patient anticipates the need to fly after any ear, sinus or nasal surgery then this should be discussed when scheduling the procedure as the recommended restrictions if any are based on the specific procedure. Time frames to restrict flying often fall into one of four categories: no restriction, 1 week, 2 weeks, to 2 months. Again, the time frame is specific to the procedure and the individuals severity of condition.