surgery instruction check list

The following is a surgery checklist to be used before your procedure. Please click here for a printable version of this checklist.

  1. Do not eat, chew on, suck on, or swallow anything after midnight the day before your surgery, unless instructed differently by Dr. Ratliff or his nurse. If you do not follow these instructions, your surgery may be canceled. This includes patients that are having local anesthesia, monitored local anesthesia, or general anesthesia.
  2. On the morning of your surgery, you may brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with water. Do not swallow!
  3. If you are on a heart medication, or a blood pressure medication, you may take those the day of surgery with a small sip of water. Any other medications are not to be taken without approval from the doctor.
  4. If you are a diabetic, bring your insulin or oral medication with you the morning of surgery. You may bring a snack with you to eat after your procedure, if needed.
  5. If you use an inhaler or take medication to help you breathe, please bring these with you to surgery and notify the staff that you have them.
  6. You cannot wear contact lenses during surgery. Leave them at home, or bring your contact case with you to remove them before your procedure.
  7. Wear loose fitting clothes that are comfortable, preferably a buttoned shirt or one that zips up the front. Wear pants such as jogging, windpants, or stretch pants, do not wear jeans. You may get your clothing stained, so make sure that you don’t wear anything for which this would be a problem.
  8. We prefer you do not wear acrylic nails. If you presently have acrylic nails, do not wear polish, it interferes with monitoring for your safety.
  9. Leave all jewelry and valuables at home. You may keep your wedding ring on, but earrings, neck chains, bracelets, etc. are not permitted. We will not be responsible for any lost valuables that are misplaced after being brought here.
  10. You will need someone to drive you home and that person needs to stay at the facility to drive you home, unless other arrangements are made with the nursing staff ahead of time.
  11. Shower the day of surgery. Do not use lotions, baby oil, etc. on your body.
  12. If you are having surgery on your face, do not wear makeup or face lotion of any kind! This interferes with our preparations for your surgery.
  13. Make sure that you have made payment arrangements if the procedure is not being done at our office operating room. If there are any further questions, please call 712-0888.

*Please call the office the working day before your procedure to confirm your surgery time.