You and your doctor have agreed that you need surgery.  To help you understand what to expect, please review the information below.

Obtain testing and Pre-Anesthesia Medical Evaluation at least one week before surgery

For the safety of anesthesia, your surgeon may order Pre-operative testing  (blood work, EKG,xrays, etc.).  He may also ask you to see your primary care physician for a Pre-Anesthesia Medical Evaluation (a complete history and physical examination and additional testing) before surgery. 

Pre-operative testing and Pre-Anesthesia Medical Evaluation needs to be completed at least 1 week before your scheduled surgery.  This will allow time for you to be optimally prepared for the procedure.  If testing and Pre-Anesthesia Medical Evaluation is not completed in time, it may be necessary to reschedule the date of surgery. 

Avoid medications and supplements that increase bleeding.

Certain medications and over-the-counter vitamins and supplements increase the risk of bleeding around the time of surgery.  For 2 weeks prior to surgery, and for 2 weeks after surgery, do not take any aspirin, aspirin-containing compounds, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (Advil, Ibuprofen, Naprosyn, Aleve, etc.). Also, discontinue all high dose vitamin supplements, homeopathic, or alternative medicines, such as Vitamin E, Gingko biloba, garlic, or ginseng.  Please notify our staff if you are taking any prescription blood thinning medications.

Click here for a list of medications that increase the risk of bleeding.

Do not eat after midnight before surgery

If you are scheduled to receive anesthesia, do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure.  Do not take any medication after midnight unless instructed to do so by your physician or a nurse from the hospital/surgery center.  If you have diabetes or are on blood pressure or heart medication, obtain specific instructions from your physician.

For more information about our surgery centers, please visit the websites below.

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
1875 Dempster Street
Park Ridge, IL 60068
(847) 723-8450

Golf Surgical Center
8901 Golf Road
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 299-2273

Illinois Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery Center
9000 Waukegan Road, Suite 120
Morton, Grove, IL 60053
(847) 213-5444