1. Make sure that all your questions were answered prior to the operation and that you have a complete understanding of the risks, benefits and complications of the scheduled surgery. If you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to request an additional office visit. This is time well spent.

2. If ordered, you must carefully follow any preoperative treatment: antibiotic, enema, bowel cleaning regimen, etc. The outcome of the procedure depends on a thorough adherence to the prescribed treatment.

3. Take the doctor's surgical orders with you when you go to the registration desk or to Pre-Admitting Testing at the hospital/surgery center.

4. Have all medicine containers and instructions regarding the strength and frequency of the medication with you during hospital registration so the nurse and/or anesthesiologist can record the most recent medication you take.

5. The night before surgery do not eat anything after midnight unless otherwise instructed. Take medication(s) with only a sip of water. The anesthesiologist will refuse to offer his service unless you have 8 hours of NPO (nothing per mouth) status to prevent possible aspiration and pulmonary complications.

6. If you have any blood work to be done, you will need to fast for at least three hours prior to the blood drawing. If you have had recent blood tests taken by your primary care physician, these studies can be used if they were done within 30 days of your office visit.

7. Our standard recommendation is to stop anticoagulation treatment before the operation if you are taking Aspirin, Aspirin-like medication, Plavix for 7-10 days and Coumadin (Warfarin) 4 days. Please consult with your Primary Care Physician or Cardiologist regarding your specific indications and need for an alternative approach such as preoperative subcutaneous injections of Heparin or Lovenox.

8. Please delegate one person who will communicate with me on your behalf.

9. Patients having breast surgery will need to bring their last year's mammogram and ultrasound study films to the hospital on the day of Pre-Admission testing. Be prepared to stay at the hospital for at least half a day because of the complex imaging studies needed prior to the operation.

10. Any surgical intervention is a very complicated task which requires involvement and cooperation of a large number of professionals. We kindly request your courtesy to give us 48 hours notification in case of any cancellation so the time reserved especially for you can be offered to the other person in need.