Pre-Operative Instructions for Somerset Medical Center
General instructions:
Depending on your age and medical history, you might need pre-admission testing. This may include blood work, a urine culture, a pregnancy test, a chest x-ray and/or an EKG. Call Somerset Medical Center at (908) 685 - 2918 to schedule these test at least one week prior to your procedure.
Discontinue all aspirin, aspirin-containing medications, Plavix, Coumadin or "blood thinners" seven days prior to surgery.
If you take Coumadin, please coordinate with our office & the doctor who prescribes your Coumadin about specific instructions when stopping this medication.
No eating or drinking after midnight.
You may take your morning medications with a sip of water (only).
Please do not take any diabetes medications the morning of your surgery unless instructed by your doctor.
Certain patients must see their primary care physician, cardiologist or pulmonologist for pre-op clearance.
Please bring any recent X-rays on the date of your surgery.
Further instructions for open or laparoscopic surgery
Check with the office to see if you require a "bowel prep" prior to your surgery. If YES, buy a 10 fluid ounce bottle of magnesium citrate from the drug store and start drinking it at 3 pm the day prior to surgery. This will cause diarrhea so your large intestine is evacuated. Be sure to drink fluids (water and/or juices) during the daytime to prevent dehydration.
