Preparation for Surgery

Make your surgical treatment at UNC Health Johnston go as smoothly as possible by following instructions on how to get ready. Count on your surgical team to help you feel comfortable and prepared, so you can focus on recovering.

Preadmission Phone Call & Testing

Before surgery, a nurse will call you or set up an in-person visit to review information such as:

• Allergies
• Current health
• Emergency contact person
• Family and personal medical history
• Fasting and preparation instructions
• Form of anesthesia you’ll receive
• Medications you’re taking
• Recovery time and instructions

You’ll also need to complete any lab or imaging tests your doctor orders before surgery.

Day of Surgery

To help ensure your safety on the day of surgery:

• Do not eat or drink after midnight.
• Shower and avoid wearing lotion, makeup, or jewelry.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that could fit over a bandage or cast.
• Leave valuable personal items at home.
• Bring your identification, insurance card, and medications.

Arrive Early

Arrive at your scheduled time, usually two hours before surgery, so your care team can start preparing you for treatment.

Arrange Transportation

Ask an adult to drive you home after surgery. Tell that person to wait for you in the lobby during treatment in case the surgeon needs to talk to them.

After Surgery

Improve your recovery by taking advantage of UNC Health Johnston resources such as:

• Home care – Provides medication management, wound care, physical therapy, and other health services in the comfort of home
• Rehabilitation – Offers speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and lymphedema therapy to help restore your abilities