The Day of Surgery
Pre-Operative Scrub
In the morning, shower AGAIN using the antiseptic CHG soap solution. Do not use regular soap.
Chlorhexadine Glutonate Antiseptic Soap
You will need to shower with the special antiseptic soap called chlorhexadine gluconate (CHG) given to you in pre-admission testing or by the nurse in the hospital.
- Wash and rinse your hair first using your normal shampoo.
- Make sure you completely rinse the shampoo from your hair and body.
- Wet your entire body.
- Turn the water off in the shower or move away from the water spray to avoid rinsing the antiseptic soap solution off.
- Apply the antiseptic CHG soap solution to your body starting at the neck and lather your entire body from the neck down.
- Never use the antiseptic solution near your eyes, ears or mouth.
- Gently wash your body.
- Scrub the areas where the incision(s) will be located for about 3 minutes.
- Avoid scrubbing you skin too hard.
- Once you have completed the scrub, rinse the CHG soap off your body completely using shower water.
- Do not wash with regular soap after you have used the antiseptic CHG soap solution.
- Do not shave any areas where surgery will be performed (chest, legs).
- Pat yourself dry with a clean freshly washed towel.
- DO NOT apply any powders, deodorants or lotions.
- Dress with clean, freshly washed clothes.
Pre-Surgery Do's and Don'ts
Do's
Keep your stomach empty.
Do not eat any food, including mints, gum or candy, or drink any liquids. This is for your safety.
Brush your teeth.
You may brush your teeth or use mouthwash without swallowing.
Only take medications you were instructed to with a very small sip of water.
You should have been given instructions as to which medications to take in the morning prior to your surgery.
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Please take your aspirin and beta-blocker if you have been prescribed one. Beta-blockers include medications such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol, metoprolol (Toprol, Lopressor), nadolol.
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Do not take any diuretics. Diuretics include medications such as Lasix (Furosemide) and hydrochlorothiazide, and are also in combination medicines like Quinapril-HCT.
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Do not take any ACE-Inhibitors. ACE-Inhibitors include medications such as lisinopril, captopril and enalapril and are also in combination medicines like Captopril-HCT.
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If you take coumadin or plavix, you should have received instructions as to if and when to stop these medications. If you didn't please call.
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If you are DIABETIC:
- If you take oral agents (pills for diabetes), DO NOT take them the day of surgery.
- If you take Metformin, stop it 2 days prior to surgery.
- If you take NPH insulin, take ½ of your normal dose the morning of surgery.
- If you take Lantus/Glargine insulin, take your normal dose up until the time of surgery.
- If on an insulin pump, do not change the basal rate.
Leave your personal belongings at home.
Your family may bring you a small suitcase the day after surgery. Please do not bring more than toilet articles (toothbrush, comb, etc.), your slippers and a robe. If you wear glasses, contact lenses, or dentures, you may wear them to the hospital, but please send them home with your family before you go to the preoperative area.
Leave jewelry and valuables at home.
Please leave all jewelry and valuables, including wedding rings, at home. Your hands and fingers will become swollen during and after surgery. When rings are left on, they can interfere with circulation and may have to be cut off.
Don'ts
Do not eat food or drink liquids.
Do not eat any food, including mints, gum or candy, or drink any liquids.
Do not wear make-up or nail polish.
Do not wear any make-up, nail polish, or toenail polish.
Do not bring personal or valuable items.
Please leave your personal belongings and valuables at home. Please do not bring more than toilet articles (toothbrush, comb, etc.), your slippers, and a robe. If you wear glasses, contact lenses, or dentures, you may wear them to the hospital, but please send them home with your family before you go to the preoperative area.
Do not wear jewelry.
Please leave all jewelry, including wedding rings, at home. Your hands and fingers will become swollen during and after surgery. When rings are left on, they can interfere with circulation and may have to be cut off.
Going to the Hospital
Parking
The most convenient option for parking is the Pilgrim Road Garage.
- The garage is open 24 hours a day.
- The entrance is located on Crossover Street and can be accessed off of Pilgrim Road or Autumn Street.
- For directions by car to the Pilgrim Road Garage,
click here.
- To view the Interactive Map for Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center,
click here.
Report to the Reception Desk
Please report to the reception desk in the West Campus Clinical Center (1 Deaconess Rd) lobby to check in.
- For directions by car to the West Campus Clinical Center,
click here.
- To view the Interactive Map for Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center,
click here.
Surgery
Preoperative Area
You will be taken to a preoperative area from the reception desk. One family member or friend may come with you.
Preparation Area
You will then be brought to another preparation area in the operating room suite.
The nurse can show your family where to wait during your surgery or, if they prefer, they may wait at home. Either way, the surgeon will call or speak with them when the surgery is over.
In the preparation area, someone may clip the hair around the area of the surgery. Also, intravenous (IV) lines and other lines that are used during surgery will be inserted.
Operating Room
You will then be brought to the operating room, and the anesthesiologist will give you your anesthesia through the IV line. You will fall asleep quickly and will not be able to hear or feel anything during your surgery. After you are asleep, a breathing tube will be placed in your windpipe, and a catheter will be placed in your bladder. Your surgery will then begin. Surgery usually takes about four to six hours.
Surgical Liaison Service
While you are in surgery, your family can receive general information from the Surgical Liaison Service, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 8 pm. To reach someone from this service, please call 617-632-8593 and ask for beeper #92470.
A nurse from the surgical team will also provide periodic updates to your family spokesperson.