Restrictions are specific to all individuals, but most surgeons require that you avoid the following prior to surgery:     

• Solid food or liquids (after midnight the night prior to surgery); infants may be breastfed up to six hours prior to their procedure
• Smoking (24 hours prior to surgery)
• Alcoholic beverages (24 hours prior to surgery)
• Diabetes medicine, as you will not be eating and this can cause serious problems

We also ask that you do not wear:

• Nail polish
• Make-up
• Valuables, including jewelry (wedding rings and all body piercings)

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We suggest you wear loose and comfortable clothing. An oversized button-up shirt is a good idea for any patient, as many procedures make pulling a shirt over your head difficult. Pull-on or sweat pants are a good idea, too.      

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If you are planning on going home the day of your surgery, we suggest that you bring:      

• Information that was requested by the pre-surgery staff, such as lists of medications, insurance cards, living will, durable power of attorney (if appropriate), etc.
• A list of important phone numbers, including those of family or friends you might need to call while you are at the hospital.
• Bring any surgical garments, slings, crutches, braces, shoes that your surgeon’s office has instructed you to purchase or has provided to you.
• Parents or guardians of children are encouraged to bring the children’s ”security” item, like a blanket or favorite stuffed animal.

If your surgery requires a planned hospital stay, have your family or friends bring your other belongings the next day, such as:

• Eyeglasses, contacts, hearing aids, if needed, and their cases.
• Front closing mid-calf to knee-length robe (a longer robe makes walking difficult) with loose fitting arms. Avoid over-the-head styles.
• House shoes with non-skid soles, closed heel and toe. Gym shoes are fine.
• The hospital will provide you with a gown to wear in bed, but you may bring your own pajamas if you wish.
• Underwear and gym shorts or loose fitting pants.
• Assistive devices, such as crutches or a walker. If you already have these, have someone bring them to the hospital after surgery. If not, they will be provided for you to take home when you leave the hospital.
• Do not bring credit cards, jewelry, valuable items or more than five dollars in cash.

Your surgery location depends on a variety of things, including where your surgeon can do the surgery and what type of surgery is required. Your surgeon will provide you with your location. 

Across The Christ Hospital Health Network there are three locations for surgery, including:    

1. Mt. Auburn at The Christ Hospital in these areas:     

• B-Level for most surgical procedures
• C-Level for Open Heart Procedures & Catheterization Lab
• D-Level for Electrophysiology Procedures
• 1-First floor for endoscopy
  
• 8-West for the Women’s Surgery Center
• 9-South for the Birthing Center
  
• Joint & Spine Center for orthopedics, spine, and neurosurgery
  

2. Liberty Township at The Christ Hospital Medical Center
   

3. Madisonville at The Christ Hospital Surgery Center on Red Bank Expressway
   

4. Montgomery at The Christ Hospital Outpatient Center
   

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You will be asked to arrive at your surgery location two hours prior to your scheduled procedure (unless otherwise noted). Children under the age of ten will also need to arrive two hours prior to their procedure and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. This will enable us to spend adequate time with you and your family during the pre-operative process.      

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After checking in at the surgery check-in desk, we will escort you to a room to be prepared for your surgery. The anesthesiologist will see you there and discuss anesthetic options and risks. He or she will discuss the advantages of general, spinal or epidural anesthesia. If you want more information on different types of anesthesia, just ask. You, your surgeon and the anesthesiologist make the final choice of anesthetic.