Preparing for Surgery

Learn what questions to ask in advance, what to do at home, and more so you surgery can be as safe and successful as possible.
Knowing what to expect and how best to prepare for a surgery can not only help keep you safe and improve outcomes, but help you approach your procedure with more confidence.
Nurse getting ready to insert butterfly needle into patient's arm
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fever, temperature, thermometer
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Surgeon tying his mask
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Surgeon talking to patient before surgery
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Hispanic female doctor smiling at patient being wheeled into operating room
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Close up of surgical tools and money
Paying for Surgery Costs That Insurance Won't Pay
Anesthetist in an operating room
For Patients: Understanding the Risks of Having Surgery
Dentist performing oral surgery
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Row of test tube with blood samples
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liver graphic
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Surgeon operating patient on table at hospital
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Surgeon talking to patient before surgery
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Urethrotomy
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Scientist examining test tubes in lab
What Do Your PT, PTT, and INR Results Mean?
Nurse getting blood from on a female donor
How to Make Blood Draws Easier
Patient with a respiratory mask on operating table
Why You Can't Eat or Drink Before Surgery
A doctor holding six blood tests
Making Sense of Blood Thinners For Surgery Patients
Surgeon and team position patient under xray machine
Why You Must Remove Jewelry and Piercings Before Surgery
Vials in lab
Chem 7 Blood Chemistry Tests: Basic Metabolic Panel
Anesthetist adjusting intravenous drip during open heart operating
Surgery and Versed (Midazolam)
Anesthetist administering gas to patient
Types of Anesthesia Used During Surgery
Automated blood sample testing in laboratory for healthcare screening.
What You Should Know About Your CBC Lab Results
Surgeons performing surgery in operating room
Getting Ready for Surgery the Right Way
man staying in hospital
How to Pack for a Comfortable Hospital Stay
a surgeon putting on gloves
Dealing With an Unplanned or Emergency Surgery While Traveling
Doctor attending patient at ICU
Quitting Smoking Can Improve Surgical Outcome
woman getting sick on toilet
What Do I Do If I'm Sick and I'm Supposed to Have Surgery?
anesthesia
Pot Smoking: How Marijuana Can Affect Your Surgery
Scalpel on surgical cloth, close-up
How to Decide If You Need Surgery
a person facing away from camera and holding a model of a kidney
Understanding the Multiple Causes of Kidney Failure
Female nurse giving pill to patient on hospital bed
These Are the Commonly Used Medications Before and After Surgery
Man talking to his doctor
Bowel Prep Made Easy: Step-by-Step Instructions
Urinary catheter bag
How Catheters Are Used After Surgery
Surgical instruments
Help! I'm Having Surgery and I'm Freaking Out!
Vial of blood being picked up by a gloved hand
Understanding Common Blood Tests and What They Mean
woman going under Anesthesia
Anesthesia Awareness Is a Rare Complication of Surgery
Blood Sample Tube in Hand
Why Packed Red Blood Cells Are Used in Transfusions
Administering drugs through a central line.
Risks Associated With the Placement and Use of Central Lines
A scientist viewing a blood sample under a microscope
Blood Work Tests Before Surgery
Blood test vials
Common Tests: Before and After Surgery
patient talking to doctor
Important Questions to Ask Before You Have Surgery
Depression and Surgery Image
How to Relieve Your Fear When You Are Scared of Surgery
patient resting after surgery with doctor writing on a chart
12 Smart Tips to Help You Prepare for Surgery and Stay Healthy
man calculating bill
The Reasons Why Surgery Costs So Much
Anesthesia and Surgery Image
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Operating nurse soothing patient on table in operating room
Discover Why and How Diprivan Is Used During Surgery
Surgeon consulting a patient, holding hands, getting ready for surgery
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explaining the operation
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Pensive adult black patient looking away to the window while lying down on hospital bed
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Cataract surgery - stock photo
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Nurse comforting senior female patient
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Meshes For Hernia - stock photo
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Three Surgeons in Scrubs and Protective Masks Look Down at a Patient on a Hospital Trolley
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Cardiac ablation surgery about to begin
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Preparing for ACL surgery, doctor checks patient's knee
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Surgical nurse wheeling patient to surgery in hospital
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Woman doing lunges on park bench
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