Preparing for Surgery
We understand that surgery — whether a same-day procedure or multi-night stay — may make you feel anxious or concerned. From all of us at Tufts Medicine, we have your back and are here to help you prepare for surgery and a smoother recovery. It's a good idea to cover your bases of what to expect and how to prepare for surgery with your care team. Plus, there are steps you can take to make your home a safe and comfortable place for your return.
Beth Phelan, RN comforting a pre surgery patient in stretcher in hallway in Lowell General Hospital's Heart and Vascular department.
calendar

Before surgery

Allowing yourself enough time to prepare for surgery will foster a more restful, stress-free recovery period. There are several tasks we recommend checking off your list prior to surgery. We've put together these handy checklists so you can cover your bases with your care team and at home up to several weeks before surgery. 

Days or weeks before surgery

Your doctor and care team will walk you through how to best prepare for your specific kind of surgery. In the meantime, here are several items you can cross off your checklist both with your care team and at home.

Preparing with your care team
  • Complete your Health Care Proxy.
  • Create an up-to-date list of all medications and dosages to share with your doctor.
  • Alert your surgeon to any medication allergies.
  • Discuss existing conditions with your surgeon.
  • Depending on your surgery, we may arrange a visit with an anesthesiologist. Alert them if you have a “difficult airway.”
  • Talk to your surgeon about your anticipated discharge plan.
  • Complete your preoperative assessment.

Preparing at home
  • Attend educational classes about your surgery, if available.
  • Make sure handrails are secure in stairways.
  • Do laundry so you have enough clean clothes, or plan for laundry assistance.
  • Fill regular prescriptions ahead of time to cover you during your recovery period. 
  • Refrain from smoking.
  • Plan for your visit with our handy packing checklist.
  • Clear walkways of obstacles (throw rugs, electrical cords, etc.) so you can move around easily with a walker or crutches following surgery.
  • Arrange for mail to be picked up by someone you trust or placed on hold while you're recovering. 

Day or night before surgery

Our operating rooms are a busy place, so sometimes we may not be able to pinpoint when to arrive for surgery until the day before. Please follow these guidelines the day before your surgery: 

  • Follow all pre-surgery instructions carefully.
  • Keeping warm — with clothes, blankets, heaters, etc. — before surgery lowers the risk of infection.
  • Shower and wash your hair, but don't use hair styling products. 
  • Remove any nail polish or body piercings.
  • Don't shave near where you will have surgery.

Preparation instructions for your hospital
Lowell General Hospital

You will receive a call the day before with a designated arrival time and instructions.
MelroseWakefield Hospital

You will be given a surgical time at your pre-surgical assessment appointment. You will receive a call the day before only if the time has changed.
Tufts Medical Center

Please call us after 2 p.m. the day before your scheduled surgery at 617.636.TIME (8463) to confirm your expected arrival and surgical time.
stopwatch-1

Day of surgery

Details matter when it comes to your health. That's why you'll notice that we may repeat questions, evaluations and plans on the day of your surgery. Rest assured, we’re on top of your care plan. This is our way of confirming that everyone involved in your care, including you, is on the same page. Occasionally, emergency cases arise and cause unplanned delays. We apologize for any wait you may experience and ask for your patience. 

If you have a co-payment related to your visit, please come prepared to cover the payment on the day of your surgery. If you have a deductible or co-insurance payment related to your surgery, please make payment arrangements with financial coordination.

Day of surgery do's
  • You may have water or sports drinks (Gatorade®, Powerade® or Pedialyte®) up until 2 hours before your
    arrival time.
  • Take any instructed medications with a sip of water.
  • Wear comfortable clothing that's easy to change in and out of.
  • Bring a photo ID and a copy of your health insurance card.
  • Bring a list of your current medications including herbal supplements.
  • Make arrangements to have a responsible adult available to accompany you home if you are being discharged on the same day as your surgery.

Day of surgery don'ts
  • Don't eat anything after midnight on the night before your procedure. This includes mints, gum and candy.
  • Don't wear make-up, hair spray, nail polish, body lotion, deodorant, cologne, perfume or aftershave.
  • Don't bring extra cash or credit cards with you unless they're needed to pay your copayment.
  • Don't bring valuables with you to the hospital.
  • Don't bring any jewelry or body piercings — leave them at home.
hands-heart

After surgery

Allowing yourself enough time to accomplish the following recommendations will help prepare you for a more restful, stress-free recovery period. Each surgery is unique to you, so we'll give you plenty of instructions and information. 

We understand they may be a lot to take in following surgery. Please ask your care team to cover any details with you again, like new medications, therapy, caring for your surgical site and even at-home activities. Your hospital care manager will help you arrange any services you need after your surgery.

Recovery in the hospital

Allowing yourself the time and space to fully recover after surgery is very important for your health and well-being. We understand that you may have visitors eager to see you, but first, we'll closely monitor you in 2 phases, depending on your surgery: 

  1. Recovery: Once your surgery is wrapped up, you'll be taken to the recovery area for about 90 minutes.  
  2. Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU): You'll be taken to the PACU until you recover from anesthesia. The care team will monitor your heart rate and blood as they also ask you numerous questions to gauge your alertness and pain levels. Your care team may place an oxygen mask on your face to ensure you receive enough fresh air following surgery.

Recovery at home

Getting back into your daily routine following surgery may take some time. It's important to take it easy and give your mind and body enough time to heal. Follow these tips for a smoother recovery period: 

  • Avoid reaching and bending.
  • Place medications and personal items within easy reach.
  • Have a cell phone or cordless phone that you can keep in your pocket.
  • Smoking, alcohol and drug use can cause you to have withdrawal or other substance-related problems after surgery. Please be honest with your care team. We're here to help you prepare and recover after your surgery.