Preparing for Surgery

Preoperative preparation is very important to having a successful and pleasant surgical experience. 

Prior to surgery, it is critically important that you stop taking all blood-thinners, aspirin-related products and supplements that have been shown to cause increased bleeding.  You will need to stop these medications or supplements for at least two weeks prior to surgery.  You should review your medications with your surgeon prior to surgery to determine which medications you should and should not take.  For a list of commonly known supplements and and medications that you should stop taking prior to surgery, please refer to the following link.

After completing all of the important diagnostic tests needed for your physician to determine what surgery is best for you, you will be asked to obtain specific lab tests to assess your general health and fitness for surgery. These lab tests can be done by your primary care doctor or through the pre-operative teaching center at Banner Desert Medical Center. These tests include:

• EKG of your heart
• Blood tests: blood count, clotting function, and renal function
• Urinalysis
• Possibly a chest x-ray

Once you have completed these tests, your physician will review the results and you may also be asked to meet with your primary care provider to review your health condition prior to surgery.  In some cases, heart evaluation by a cardiologist is needed prior to surgery. 

Prior to surgery, you will be asked to meet with hospital staff at Banner Desert Medical Center at “Pre-operative Teaching” to pre-register, review postoperative instructions and discuss what to expect the day of surgery.

You can contact Pre-operative Teaching at Banner Desert Medical Center by calling (480) 512-3585 (option 2).