
Your procedure may be performed at Scripps Memorial Hospital – La Jolla (Main OR), Scripps Memorial Hospital – Ximed Ambulatory Surgery Center, or at the Surgical Center of San Diego.
In preparation for your surgery at Surgical Associates of La Jolla or La Jolla, please follow the following instructions:
Before your surgery
On the morning of your procedure, please do not eat or drink anything – not even juice, coffee, water, or gum!
Do NOT shave any hair at the surgical site the night prior to the procedure. This can increase the risk of infection!
Prescribed medications
Continue to take all your usual medications in their usual doses. If you normally take any medications for blood pressure or heart problems in the morning, these can be taken with a small sip of water on the morning of your surgery.
Coumadin (Please confirm these instructions with your surgeon)
If you take Coumadin (a type of blood thinner), we will frequently suggest that you discontinue this medication 5 days prior to your operation. Only discontinue this following the specific instructions of your doctor.
Plavix (Please confirm these instructions with your surgeon)
This medication should be discontinued one week prior to surgery. Please check with you doctor for specific instructions.
Other medications
Due to the risk of increased bleeding, you should stop any of the following medications at least 10 days prior to surgery:
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Any other medications not listed, please discuss with your surgeon. It is okay to take Tylenol.
Clothing
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Please leave jewelry and valuables at home.
Driving
You MUST have a responsible adult available to drive you home following your procedure. Due to anesthesia considerations, you also need to have a responsible adult available at home that evening.
Dental Procedures
Please avoid any dental work (Cleaning, Crowns, etc.) for one week prior and three weeks following your operation.
Following your surgery
Please follow the diet discussed by your doctor during your preop visit or at discharge from the hospital.
If you are having anti-reflux surgery, please refer to the brochure.
Activity Following Your Operation
Please discuss with your surgeon regarding activity and any physical limitations following your operation.
Your surgeon may have other activity recommendations for your specific surgery
Additional Instructions
For your convenience, you can download various sets of instructions as PDF files:
- For Patients with a JP (Jackson-Pratt) Drain
- For Patients Who Have Undergone Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
- For Patients Who Have Undergone Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
If You Have Any Questions…
Following these guidelines will help to ensure that your surgery goes smoothly and on schedule. Please contact our practice by phone or by e-mail if you have any questions.