Before Your Surgery

If you have questions about your surgery, please call the office at (415) 610-2702.

Preparing for Surgery

As your physician, I will provide detailed instructions that may be specific your surgery. Please know that the following information serves only as a general guideline.

Pre-Operative Instructions
Before your surgery, you will receive a phone call from the surgery center’s pre-operative staff regarding pre-operative instructions. Listen very carefully and take notes so that you do not forget anything. Basic instructions include:

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery (including drinking water, chewing gum, eating hard candy or chewing tobacco). You may brush your teeth, but do not swallow any water. Eating or drinking can cause serious complications or cause your surgery to be delayed.

If diabetic, take your medications at night, but do not take your morning medications (either insulin or medication by mouth) the morning of the surgery. Please bring your medication(s) with you to the surgery center. We may need to form a plan with your primary care doctor for managing your diabetes around surgery.

If you take medications for your blood pressure or heart, please take your medication(s) as directed by the anesthesiologist with just a sip of water.

Please do not take aspirin products or herbal remedies for at least 10 days before surgery. These products can prolong bleeding time and therefore should be discontinued prior to your surgery.

Take a shower or bath, but do not apply lotions or powder. This will minimize the chance of infection. Do not wear makeup, jewelry or contact lenses. Remove all nail polish.

Leave all valuables at home. You will be required to remove most of your clothing before the surgery and wear a patient gown. You must remove all metal objects, including jewelry. Wear comfortable clothing and a button down shirt (when applicable for shoulder or elbow surgery).

Notify us if there is any change in your physical condition such as a cold, fever, sore throat, rash, nausea or vomiting.

A responsible adult must be available to receive instructions about your care and to drive you home from the surgery center after your surgery. You may use a ride share service on your way to the center but will need someone to pick you up afterwards. We recommend an adult stay with you for 24 hours after surgery.

Bring your knee brace, sling, and any other medical equipment you were provided when applicable. You will be fit with this equipment during your pre-operative appointment.

Recovering from Surgery

Your post-operative care is specific to your condition. Please ask me about your individual post-operative instructions if you have questions or call the office at (415) 610-2702.

Physical Therapy
I may prescribe physical therapy before and/or after your surgery. We work with excellent physical therapy practices throughout Northern California and will have recommendations for you at the office.