Preparing for Your Transplant Surgery

Before your transplant surgery, please:

• Take medications with a glass of water as instructed by your surgeon before 5:00 a.m. the morning of surgery.
• Complete all tasks that were asked of you (for example, enema or bowel preparation).
• Take a shower using antibacterial soap (such as Safeguard® or Dial®), or use antibacterial wipes as instructed before you arrive.
• Plan for the day ahead: brush your teeth, taking care to not swallow any water or toothpaste; wear clean, comfortable, loose-fitting clothing; bring prosthetic and orthopedic devices or other medical equipment if your doctor prescribed them, including glasses, hearing aids and dentures, along with a case for safe storage during your procedure.
• Bring toiletries, a change of clothes and anything else you feel you will need.
• Carry your identification, medical insurance card and means for covering any necessary co-payment.
• Bring a copy of your advance directives, if necessary. Learn more about advance directives and assigning a healthcare proxy.
• Please contact your surgeon’s office immediately if you are feeling unwell, have questions, or need to cancel your surgery.
• Do not eat anything after midnight before your procedure (including candy, mints and cough drops) unless otherwise instructed by your surgeon or anesthesiologist.
• Do not drink anything other than water after midnight before surgery; you may have plain water until 5:00 a.m. on the day of your surgery.
• Do not drink alcohol 24 hours before surgery.
• Do not shave any part of your body within 24 hours of surgery.
• Do not wear contact lenses, makeup, nail polish, jewelry, piercings, wigs, hair pins or hair pieces, which can interfere with surgery.
• Do not bring valuables with you to the hospital, including wedding rings, mobile phones or your suitcase; you may leave these with the person accompanying you to your surgery.