Doctors conducting surgery

SCOLIOSIS OR SPINE SURGERY DAY

For your safety, do not eat, drink or chew gum after midnight the night before your surgery. This includes water, hard candy and gum. If instructed by your physician or requested by a nurse, you may take prescription medications with a sip of water. You may brush your teeth and rinse your mouth.

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Suitcase and jacket in house foyerDay of Surgery for Scoliosis or Spine Surgery

If you’re planning to have surgery, you’ll want to spend some time preparing. That means taking care of your health, learning as much as you can about the procedure, and getting to know the people who will be taking care of you. Furthermore, planning ahead can help ensure you have a successful procedure and heal faster with a smooth recovery.

On the day of surgery, please bring a legal form of identification containing a picture and your health insurance card. Also, a picture identification card is required to verify your identity. Without a picture ID, your procedure may be canceled.

Wear loose comfortable clothing, remove all piercings, nail polish and makeup, and leave all jewelry and other valuables at home. Sorry, but you may not wear any jewelry during your procedure

On the day of your procedure, your surgeon and support staff will greet you. Accordingly, we will make sure you’re ready and will review exactly what’s going to happen that day. Also, we’ll also make sure you understand what to do after your procedure, and will schedule the first follow up appointment.

What to Pack for Scoliosis or Spine Surgery:

  • Sturdy, comfortable sneakers and socks that fit well and will stay on your feet during walking and therapy
  • Daily change of clean shirt or another clean garment to wear under your brace (if applicable); this helps to keep the brace clean and reduces rubbing and skin irritation
  • Toiletries
  • Pants or shorts with loose elastic or drawstring waists that are easy to get on and off
  • Robe or zip- or button-up long sleeve shirt or jacket
  • Rubber band or hair tie for long hair

When to Arrive at the hospital

You will be asked to arrive approximately two hours before the time that your surgery is scheduled to begin. Be sure to allow time for parking. Please note that your scheduled time of surgery is an approximation. We will do our best to keep you informed of any changes.

What to Expect:

While in pre-op, you will be prepared for surgery, including having an IV placed in your arm. You will also meet your anesthesiologist and surgeon. During your surgery, your family will be periodically updated on your progress. After surgery, your surgeon will meet with your family in the waiting room and give them details about your surgery.

Checklist for the Day of Surgery

  • Shower or bathe with Hibiclens® prior to surgery
  • Remove all jewelry, including all body piercings, and leave at home with other valuables
  • You will be asked to remove all prosthetics prior to surgery, including but not limited to: eyeglasses,contact lenses, hearing aids, dentures, partial plates, etc.; please bring appropriate storage containersfor these items if you can’t leave them at home

DO NOT APPLY/WEAR

  • Lotions, powders or perfume after showering/bathing
  • Hair clips or pins
  • Makeup
  • Nail polish

If you or a loved one suffers from spinal pain, you owe it to yourself to call Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute at 214-556-0555 to make an appointment.