Preparing for a procedure

This information has been prepared to assist you in preparing for a procedure with our doctors. This information serves as a guide. If you have received different instructions from our doctors, please follow those carefully.

Pre-operative tips

1. You will receive a phone call from a nurse in the Admissions Testing Center. She will interview you about your general health, and any medications with dosages that you are taking. Please give her your prescription and over the counter medicines. The number is 202-877-7169.
2. Many patients find it helpful to change their diet before surgery. Eat light foods for a couple of days before the planned surgery. You should have a good bowel movement the day before surgery. To ensure that you do, you can user a Fleet enema or a mild laxative (i.e. Senokot® or Milk of Magnesia®). This will help, with less post-operative gas or intestinal discomfort.
3. It is important that you get a good night's sleep before your surgery. If you find you are nervous or anxious the night before your surgery, you can take an over the counter sleeping aid such as Tylenol PM®, Benadryl® or Sominex®. If you are already on a medication such as Valium, please contact your primary care doctor for instructions.
4. You may bring a robe and slippers for your overnight surgery. You may also bring your pajamas, but for the first few days you will wear a hospital gown. You will be given a personal supply basket with toothbrush, toothpaste and other personal items. This is yours to keep. Please DO NOT bring any valuables with you to the hospital. The hospital does have a safe to store valuables in Protective Services, but we strongly suggest any valuables be left at home.
5. The day of surgery, you should report to the admitting office in the lobby of the main hospital. Please bring your insurance cards and a picture ID.
6. At this time, you may request a private room. This will cost $10.00 more per night, and you are responsible for paying that difference.
7. Admitting representatives will escort you to the pre-op holding area, and your family members will go to the waiting area on the ground floor. In the holding area, the nursing staff, anesthesia and the thoracic physician's assistant or resident will again interview you. Your family will be allowed to join you in the holding area until you are ready to go into the operating room.
8. Once the doctor has completed your surgery, he will speak to your family members in the waiting room.