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Preparing for your surgery

  • Clinic Consultation with your surgeon
    • Labs and imaging studies will be performed prior to or after your initial consultation visit
  • During your pre-operative appointment, you will sign a surgery consent and have opportunities to ask your surgeon questions about the surgery.
    • You will also have a pre-operative teaching session with one of the clinic nurses who will give instructions on how to prepare for surgery. You will receive an incentive spirometer, chlorhexidine body wash, and a prescription for mupirocin ointment. Clinic nurses will teach you how to use these objects to better prepare for your upcoming surgery.
  • Remember no food or water after midnight before surgery. You may take your medications with a sip of water. Clinic nurses will give you instructions on which home medications to take or hold during the night and morning before surgery.
  • A healthy diet and nutrition are very important to optimize your body for upcoming surgery. Please refer to the handout Nutrition-Before-Heart-Surgery for more information. If you have a significant nutritional deficiency, we may refer you to a clinical dietician prior to surgery.
  • Cardiac surgery is a big surgery on your body. You will need support and care from your family and friends. It is important to identify caregivers who will provide assistance with transportation, daily activities, emotional support during your post-surgery recovery period.
  • Refer to UWMC Montlake Driving Directions and Parking for parking information at the hospital.
  • If you have any questions preparing for surgery, you can send a question to your care team through online MyChart or call to reach clinic nurse at 206.598.8060 (available weekdays from 8am to 4pm).

 

Important Take-Aways

Check-in at the front desk on the 2nd floor of the Surgery Pavilion.
*Must have someone to pick you up after discharge*
It’s best to leave all valuables at home or with family members

UWMC Covid-19 Visitor Policy

Additional Information

If your clinic told you that you need a COVID-19 test prior to surgery, it should be scheduled with your patient care coordinator. If you need to schedule, call the Contact Center at 206.520.8700 or call your clinic.

COVID testing can be taken at UW Medical Center – Northwest or Harborview Medical Center.