Discontinue all anti-inflammatory medications, aspirin, and aspirin products at least 3 days prior to your procedure date.   Refer to the Forms tab if you have questions about these medications.

Our preoperative nurse will contact you a few days before your procedure.   We will confirm your procedure time, provide direction, discuss your health history, and answer any questions you may have.   Feel free to contact the preoperative nurse prior to your procedure.

Food and Drink
Do not eat or drink for 6 hours before your scheduled procedure time.   You may have sips of water if needed to take medications that the preoperative nurse instructed you to take. If your appointment is scheduled in the afternoon, you may eat a light breakfast at least 6 hours before your scheduled procedure time and drink sips of water throughout the day.

Alcohol and Smoking
Do not drink alcohol for at least 12 hours before your arrival. Minimize your smoking as well.

Shower
You should shower the night before or the morning of the procedure.   In order to keep the injection site clean and dry, you should not take a shower or tub bath for 24 hours following your procedure.

Driver/Escort
You will need an escort to drive you home after the procedure.   If you have sedation, you should not drive for 6-12 hours.

Advance Directives
If you have not previously submitted your Advance Directives to Southeast Alaska Surgery Center, please have bring a copy with you on the day of your procedure.

Care for Children
If you have young children at home for whom you normally care for, plan for someone else to care for them at least the first 12-24 hours following your surgery.

Re-scheduling Due to Illness
Your appointment may need to be re-scheduled if you have an elevated temperature, cough, cold, vomiting, or diarrhea.   Please call our office and ask to speak to a nurse if you are experiencing any of these conditions.

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