Preparing for Surgery

Learn what questions to ask in advance, what to do at home, and more so you surgery can be as safe and successful as possible.
Knowing what to expect and how best to prepare for a surgery can not only help keep you safe and improve outcomes, but help you approach your procedure with more confidence.
An Older Adult Recovering From Surgery, smiling and reading a card in a hospital bed
Elderly Patients: Understanding the Risks of Surgery
Nurse getting ready to insert butterfly needle into patient's arm
What Are Butterfly Needles?
fever, temperature, thermometer
Should You Take the Flu Shot Before Surgery?
Close up of surgical tools and money
How to Pay For Surgery Costs That Insurance Won't Pay
Anesthetist in an operating room
Understanding the Possible Risks and Complications of Surgery
Dentist performing oral surgery
Gum Surgery: Everything You Need to Know
Surgeon operating patient on table at hospital
Best Waiting Time Between Surgeries
Woman with cramps
Adenomyosis and Hysterectomy
Urethrotomy
What Is a Urethrotomy?
Scientist examining test tubes in lab
What Do Your PT/INR and PTT Results Mean?
Nurse getting blood from on a female donor
7 Tips to Make Getting Blood Drawn Painless
Patient with a respiratory mask on operating table
Why You Can't Eat or Drink Before Surgery
A doctor holding six blood tests
Taking Blood Thinners Before, During, and After Surgery
Surgeon and team position patient under xray machine
Why You Remove Piercings and Jewelry Before Surgery
Vials in lab
Chem 7 Panel: Blood Chemistry Test
Anesthetist administering gas to patient
Types of Anesthesia Used During Surgery
Automated blood sample testing in laboratory for healthcare screening.
What Your CBC Blood Test Results Say About Your Health
man staying in hospital
What to Pack for the Hospital
Doctor attending patient at ICU
The Benefits of Quitting Smoking Prior to Surgery
woman getting sick on toilet
What to Do if You Have a Cold or Get Sick Before Your Surgery
anesthesia
Can You Smoke Weed Before Surgery?
Nurse giving pill to a patient in hospital bed.
Drugs Given Before, During, and After Surgery
Urinary catheter bag
Urinary Catheters Explained
Vial of blood being picked up by a gloved hand
Common Blood Test Names and Meanings
woman going under Anesthesia
Why Does Anesthesia Awareness Occur?
Packed Red Blood Cell bag
Packed Red Blood Cell (PRBC) Transfusion
Administering drugs through a central line.
Why a Central Line Is Necessary and Associated Risks
A scientist viewing a blood sample under a microscope
Blood Work Tests You Can Expect Before Surgery
Blood test vials
Common Tests Before and After Surgery
patient talking to doctor
Important Questions to Ask Before You Have Surgery
Depression and Surgery Image
Understanding and Dealing With a Fear of Surgery
Operating nurse soothing patient on table in operating room
How Diprivan Is Used During Surgery
Surgeon consulting a patient, holding hands, getting ready for surgery
Gallbladder Surgery: What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
explaining the operation
Hernia Surgery: How To Prepare
Pensive adult black patient looking away to the window while lying down on hospital bed
Hysterectomy: What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
Cataract surgery - stock photo
Cataract Surgery: How To Prepare
Preparing patient for laser eye surgery - stock photo
Cataract Surgery: What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
woman consulting with her doctor
Hernia Surgery: What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
Cardiac ablation surgery about to begin
Ablation Surgery: How to Prepare
Preparing for ACL surgery, doctor checks patient's knee
ACL Surgery: How to Prepare
Surgical nurse wheeling patient to surgery in hospital
Knee Arthroscopy: How to Prepare
Woman doing lunges on park bench
Brazilian Butt Lift: How to Prepare
prepare for gallbladder surgery
Gallbladder Surgery: How to Prepare
Preparing for Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric Bypass Surgery: How to Prepare
Doctor talking to patient before operation
Hiatal Hernia Surgery: How to Prepare
Ventilator monitor ,given oxygen by intubation tube to patient, setting in ICU/Emergency room
How to Prepare for Open Heart Surgery
Female derma rejuvenate treatment. Doctor in gloves touch woman face. Cosmetology pretty portrait. Facial injection patient
Septoplasty Surgery: How to Prepare
Doctors in hospital operating room
Top Surgery: How to Prepare
Patient and Nurse prepare for Whipple Procedure
Whipple Procedure: How to Prepare