Pre op Surgical Packet

							Name: __________________________________________________________________

Scheduled Surgery Date: ___________________________________________________


_____ All surgery involves some blood loss; many times patients wish to donate their
own blood prior to surgery for use after surgery. If you require this, paperwork for
autologous blood donation will be forwarded to UNC Transfusion Services and they will
contact you about an appointment with the Red Cross. This procedure requires some pre-
planning and generally needs to be done at least 1 month prior to surgery.

_____ If you are donating blood, you will be informed of the number of units needed.
You may donate one unit of blood per week and there must be a one-week lapse between
the last unit donated and your surgery day.

_____ An iron supplement can be purchased over the counter if you are donating as well.
Please take this as soon as possible and continue to take this until the day of surgery.
Iron can be constipating. We suggest the purchase of a stool softener as well. Both can
be purchased over the counter and require no prescription.

_____ If you are on anti-inflammatory medication, i.e. Motrin, Aspirin, Naprosyn,
Voltaren, etc., please stop taking this medication at least 2 weeks prior to surgery.
Termination of these medications will help to decrease the risk of bleeding problems.
You may take Tylenol for pain or discomfort. If you are on Coumadin or other
medications, i.e. Plavix, please check w/your PCP. These usually need to be stopped 5-7
days prior to surgery.

_____ It is the policy of UNC Hospitals that you have a pre-surgical evaluation
performed in Precare, usually on the clinic visit just prior to your surgery. Your
physician will need to perform a history and physical and provide medical clearance prior
to surgery. This exam should be scheduled by you and your PCP.

_____ You may be required to wear a brace for a period of time after surgery. You will
be given a prescription for the brace if it must be custom-molded; otherwise you will be
given a brace by the UNC Brace Shop.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY:

_____ Do not eat, drink, or smoke after midnight the night before surgery. This includes
gum, mints, candy, water, and cigarettes. Any stomach contents may pose a serious
problem with the use of anesthesia. If you forget to follow these instructions it will be
necessary to cancel your surgery.

_____ If you are taking any medications, and have been instructed to take these
regardless of your scheduled surgery, take the pills with a SIP of water the am of surgery.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE DAY OF SURGERY:

_____ Someone from Precare will contact you the day before your surgery with the
exact time of arrival to the hospital on the day of surgery. If your surgery is on Monday,
Precare will call you on Friday. The staff generally call after 2:00pm.

_____ Leave ALL valuables at home, including wedding bands, rings, wallets, etc.!

_____ Family members and friends may wait in the OR/ICU waiting area. Your surgeon
will speak to them there after surgery is completed.

_____ Notify your physician if your health status changes, or you develop symptoms
such as fever, cough, sore throat or flu.

_____ After surgery you will be given specific instructions regarding post-op care.

_____ Your resource contact before and after surgery is:

       Nina McCullock, RN
       Office phone: (919) 843-4783