Tell your doctor about other medical problems you may have. Health problems such as allergies, diabetes, and obesity could affect your surgery and your treatment.
Quit smoking. Patients who smoke get more infections. Talk to your doctor about howyou can quit before your surgery.
Do not shave near where you will have surgery. Shaving with a razor can irritate your skin and make it easier to develop an infection.
At the time of your surgery:
Speak up if someone tries to shave you with a razor before surgery. Ask why you need to be shaved and talk with your surgeon if you have any concerns.
Ask if you will get antibiotics before surgery.
After your surgery:
Make sure that your healthcare providers clean their hands before examining you, either with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
If you do not see your providers clean their hands, please ask them to do so.
Family and friends who visit you should not touch the surgical wound or dressings.
Family and friends should clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub before and after visiting you. If you do not see them clean their hands, ask them to clean their hands.
Before you go home, your doctor or nurse should explain everything you need to know about taking care of your wound. Make sure you understand how to care for your wound before you leave the hospital.
Always clean your hands before and after caring for your wound.
Before you go home, make sure you know who to contact if you have questions or problems after you get home.
If you have any symptoms of an infection, such as redness and pain at the surgery site, drainage, or fever, call your doctor immediately. If you have additional questions, please ask your doctor or nurse.
