Before surgery
- Stop taking blood thinners one week before surgery in consultation with the doctor responsible for that treatment.
- On the morning of your surgery, take your medications, except for blood thinners and any others that your surgeon may have specifically prescribed.
- It is necessary to fast from food and drink for at least 6 hours before surgery. You may drink 1 glass of clear liquid 2 hours before arrival. Clear liquids include water, coffee (without milk), and clear fruit juice. You may also take a few sips of water with any necessary medications one hour before surgery.
- You must not smoke, use chewing gum, or use mouth tobacco for at least two hours before surgery.
- For hand surgery, rings should be removed from the operated hand 2 days before surgery. Remove nail polish from fingers, remove all jewelry, and shower the morning of surgery.
- Do not apply oils or creams to your body and do not use perfume. It is best to come in comfortable clothing that is easy to take on and off.
- Keep your phone with you before the procedure, as you may be called and the procedure may be expedited or delayed. Taking pictures is not permitted. During the procedure, the phone is turned off. Calls are not permitted in the recovery room except to request a pick-up.
- When you arrive at the operating room at Orkuhús, you will meet with a surgeon and an anesthesiologist before the surgery.
After surgery
- After surgery, you will go to the recovery room and recover. Once you have recovered, the surgeon will talk to you and you will be allowed to go home.
- There is usually some discomfort from the surgical site in the first few days or weeks. In some cases, taking the painkiller Panodil and anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibufen is sufficient. The drugs are available without a prescription. In other cases, the surgeon will prescribe medication during a pre-operative consultation or upon discharge.
- Due to the anesthetic or pain medication, you may not drive for 24 hours after surgery.
- You can shower, but the packaging must be protected with a plastic bag.
- If anything unexpected occurs, such as severe pain, heavy bleeding, or a high body temperature, contact your surgeon.
