Pre Op Instructions and Preparing for Surgery at CU Anschutz Urogynecology

Having surgery, even a planned one, causes most of our patients some stress and anxiety. One of the best ways to help keep stress at bay is to familiarize yourself with the surgical process and recovery time in advance. This will allow you ample time to plan and will help you feel well prepared when your surgery date arrives.

In addition to reviewing the instructions below, we recommend all patients attend our surgery pre op conferences. During these events, our doctors will review the surgery pre op instructions and answer any questions you may have in a small group setting. Conferences are held on the first and third Fridays of every month at 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at our clinic at CU Anschutz.

Surgery pre op instructions and information

Determining your surgery time

Pre-Procedural Services (PPS) will contact you typically 5-7 days prior to your surgery and give you a tentative time for your surgery. PPS will give you a follow-up call on the afternoon before your surgery.

If your surgery is on a Monday, or following a Monday holiday, you will be contacted on the preceding Friday afternoon to confirm the time of your surgery. If you miss the call or have additional questions, please call PPS at (720) 848-1340 to find out the time of your surgery. It is critical to confirm the time of your surgery on the day prior to your surgery as surgical emergencies may result in last minute time changes to your scheduled procedure.

If you become ill prior to your surgery, call (720) 848-4351. You will speak to a nurse, nurse practitioner or doctor about your symptoms to confirm whether or not you should proceed with surgery. If you reach the voicemail, leave a message stating the problem. We will return your call as soon as possible.

Checking in for surgery at the UCHealth Inpatient Pavilion

If you have been told your surgery is in the INPATIENT Pavilion, on the day of your surgery, you will check in at the UCHealth Inpatient Pavilion on the CU Anschutz campus.

To get to patient check-in, take the following steps:

• From the main lobby, follow the signs to Elevator E.
• Take Elevator E to the second floor.
• When you exit Elevator E on the second floor, follow the signs to surgery check-in.

Checking in for surgery at the UCHealth Outpatient Pavilion

If you have been told your surgery is in the OUTPATIENT Pavilion, on the day of your surgery you will report to check-in at the UCHealth Outpatient Pavilion on the CU Anschutz campus.

To get to the outpatient check-in, take the following steps:

• From the main lobby, follow the signs to Elevator C.
• Take Elevator C to the second floor.
• When you exit Elevator C on the second floor, follow the signs to surgery check-in.

Checking in for surgery at the UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital

If you have been told your surgery is at the UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital, on the day of your surgery, you will check in at the front desk first.

• Check in at the front desk and you will be escorted to the second floor.

When to stop taking medications before surgery

Please review and follow the instructions strictly before your upcoming surgery. This will help you avoid unnecessary discomfort, delays or possible cancellations during and after your surgery.

Additional guidelines for blood pressure medications one day prior to surgery

• Continue all blood pressure medications unless listed above or otherwise directed by PPS.
• If you have congestive heart failure or uncontrolled high blood pressure, you should consult with PPS prior to discontinuing any medication. You will be scheduled to meet with PPS prior to your surgery.

Preparing for surgery timeline

Three days prior to surgery

• Please call the Insurance Verification Line at (720) 848-7891 between 10 am and 4 pm one to two business days before your surgery. Give your name and date of surgery, and they will verify your insurance information and approval. They will also let you know if you have a copayment and how much it is.
• Start to shower with an antibacterial soap (for example, Dial or Cetaphil) and continue to shower with an antibacterial soap for the days before your scheduled surgery.
• Use clean towels with every shower as well as clean bed sheets and clothing.
• Do not shave or have any hair removal procedures (waxing, laser, etc.) at your surgical site for at least three days prior to your surgery.

Instructions for patients having a vaginal surgery

Two days before surgery

• Take milk of magnesia 15 ml once a day for 2 days.
• If you still feel there is stool in the rectum or your bowel movement is not clear liquid, use a Dulcolax suppository.

One day before surgery

• Day before surgery diet: yogurt, oatmeal, pudding or smoothie for breakfast and then after breakfast, start a clear liquid diet only and continue until 4 hours before surgery.
  • Clear liquids include water, Jello, broth, apple juice, Gatorade, black coffee, tea and soft drinks.
  • NO SOLID FOOD.
• At noon, drink 1 bottle of magnesium citrate (Citroma, EZ2GO Stimulax). Bowel movements usually start 1-2 hours later. Bloating is expected. During this time, ONLY drink clear liquids.
• If you still feel there is stool in the rectum or your bowel movement is not clear liquid, use a Dulcolax suppository.

Instructions for patients having an abdominal surgery

One day before surgery

• Day before surgery diet: yogurt, oatmeal, pudding, or smoothie for breakfast and then after breakfast, start a clear liquid diet only and continue until four hours before surgery.
  • Clear liquids include water, Jello, broth, apple juice, Gatorade, black coffee, tea and soft drinks.
  • NO SOLID FOOD.
• At noon, drink 1 bottle of magnesium citrate. Bowel movements usually start 1-2 hours later. Bloating is expected. During this time, ONLY drink clear liquids.
• If you still feel there is stool in the rectum or your bowel movement is not clear liquid, use a Dulcolax suppository.

Four hours before your scheduled time of surgery (2 hours before check-in)

• Stop all liquids.
• Do not chew gum or suck on any hard candy.
• Brush your teeth but spit out the water.
• Take ONLY the medication you have been instructed to take with a small amount of water.

Day of surgery instructions (all patients)

• Look at your paperwork to determine if your surgery is in the INPATIENT or OUTPATIENT pavilion and park accordingly. Please allow extra time for parking. We recommend the use of free valet parking.
• Please bring your insurance card and photo ID. Bring your pharmacy card, if you have one.
• If you are having an outpatient procedure, it may become necessary to be admitted to the hospital after the operation. If you have packed a suitcase, please leave it in the car until you have a room assignment. Your room number will be given to your family after surgery.
• Please bring a method of payment for your copay and/or prescriptions. We recommend that you only bring enough money to pay for your copay and/or prescriptions.

UCHealth is a nonsmoking facility.

Still considering your treatment options? Schedule an appointment with one of our urogynecologists to talk through your options and find the best treatment plan for you.