Testing:

Blood tests will be ordered prior to surgery. Depending upon the state of your health, extensive testing may be necessary to determine whether your body will tolerate the stress of surgery. Women with serious medical conditions are asked to visit their primary care physician prior to scheduling surgery to obtain medical clearance.


Risk of Blood Loss:

The need for blood transfusion is rare. There is a 1% to 3% risk of significant blood loss during surgery. For this reason we do not recommend that patients donate their own blood prior to surgery. Should a transfusion become necessary, the risk of infection is estimated to be 1 in 100,000 transfusions, that is, extremely low.


Smoking:

As all hospitals strictly maintain smoke-free environments, smoking will not be allowed during your hospital stay. Smoking increases the risk of urinary incontinence and the recurrence of prolapse. We encourage patients to ask us about programs that may help them to quit smoking.


Two Weeks Prior to Surgery:

     1.   Stop taking any aspirin or aspirin-containing products.

     2.   Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily to prevent constipation. You should also 
               increase your intake of dietary fiber, ie, fruits, vegetables, or commercial fiber
               supplements.

     3.   CLICK HERE for more information about constipation. 

The Day Before Your Surgery:

     1.   Consume a clear liquid diet. This may be any liquid that you can "see through"
               such as jello, broth, etc.

     2.   Drink 1 gallon of Golytely solution the evening before your surgery.


The Day of Your Surgery:

     1.   The night before your surgery, please do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

     2.   Unless directed otherwise, you may take your regular medications with a sip of
             water. NOTE: Diabetics and patients on steroids need special instructions on how
             to manage their medications at the time of surgery.

     3.   Insert a Fleets enema, expel it, then insert a second Fleets enema and expel it.

     4.   Please arrive at the hospital two hours prior to the time scheduled for your surgery.
              Go first to the Admissions Office.


What to Bring to the Hospital:
 
     Robe, nightgown, socks, slippers (those that slide onto your feet)
 
     Toiletries: toothbrush and paste, deodorant, etc.
 
     Comfortable clothing to wear home. Avoid snug waistbands, zippers, and pullover tops.

     Please leave all valuables and jewelry at home!

Going Home:  

     You should be able to return home by car. Make plans to have someone drive you
        home from the hospital - you should not drive yourself.  

     CLICK HERE for more information about post-operative instructions.

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