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Memorial Spine Center
Spine Disorder Treatment: Preparing for Surgery
Prior to spine disorder treatment surgery, you will participate in a preoperative visit. Below is a list of items you should bring to your appointment, as well as a list of what to expect and how to prepare for your upcoming surgery.
What to Bring to Your Preoperative Visit:
- Insurance card
- ID card
- List of medications
- Any paperwork previously provided to you by your physician pertaining to your surgery
What to Expect at Your Preoperative Visit:
- Any testing recommended by physician
- Confirmation of surgery date and time
- Education session
- Evaluation with preoperative nurse
- Meeting with anesthesiologist
- Registration verification
- Tour of facility
The Day Before Surgery:
- Arrange transportation to hospital
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight
The Day of Surgery:
- Do not eat breakfast or drink anything, including water
- Do not wear makeup or jewelry
- Bring a copy of advanced directives
- Bring wristband obtained at preoperative visit
- Bring personal hygiene items
- Bring eyeglasses, contact lenses with you
- DO NOT bring valuables
- If you develop a cold, sore throat, cough, fever, and/or other illness, please contact your surgeon
- You may brush your teeth without swallowing water
- You may take any medications that the anesthesiologist instructed with a sip of water
What to Expect at Surgery:
- Arrive promptly and report to admitting office
- A member of the spine team will escort you to the preoperative area for surgery preparation
- Preparation includes the following:
- IV placement
- Preparation of surgical site
- Pain control
- Testing as necessary
- From the preoperative area, you will be taken to a surgical suite for the procedure
- Following surgery, you will stay in the recovery room until you are stable
- Following recovery, you will be taken to a private hospital room for continued recovery until discharge
- If you are an outpatient, you will receive discharge instructions
Is Your Doctor a Memorial Doctor?
To find a physician who is committed to spine disorder treatment, call Memorial Physician Referral Service toll-free at (800) 944-DOCS. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
