DISCUSS WITH YOUR PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER

• Speak with your PCP regarding stopping anticoagulants, aspirin, anti-inflammatories, or over-the-counter combinations containing anti-platelet or blood-thinning properties (e.g., Motrin, ibuprofen, baby aspirin, Excedrin, etc.).
• Aspirin and Blood Thinners: Please refer to the Anticoagulation Guideline that is available online. The timeframe to stop anticoagulants is different for epidurals & stimulators, then that for facets.

IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY HEALTH CHANGES

Should you experience any health changes (e.g., cough, cold, fever, etc.) or be placed on antibiotics, please call 702-476-9999 to re-schedule your surgery date.

IF YOU SUSPECT YOU ARE PREGNANT

Should you expect that you are pregnant, please call 702-476-9999 to re-schedule your surgery date.

COMPLETE ONLINE FORMS & NSS MEDICATION LIST

• Review and complete the online forms, including the NSS Medication List and bring on the day of surgery. If unable to bring the NSS Medication List, provide a detailed list of medications, doses, and frequency, or bring your prescription bottles.
• Bring any medications you may need during your visit to the Surgery Center, such as asthma inhalers, pain medication, insulin, or high-blood pressure medications.

EATING OR DRINKING

It is important that you follow the instructions regarding eating and drinking carefully, to ensure the highest safety. Please adhere to the following:

• Last Meal Before Surgery: No solid foods within 6 hours of your procedure, this includes gum, candy, or mints. No meats, fried foods, or fatty foods within 8 hours of your procedure.
• Last Clear Fluids Before Surgery: No clear liquids within 4 hours of your procedure. You may swish and spit water to moisten your mouth.  
• Risk: Having food or liquids in your stomach at the time you are placed under anesthesia puts you at risk for ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA. This occurs when stomach contents flow into the lungs, which can be deadly.
• If you Need to Take Medications: Take with 2oz. of water – no milk or juice.  You need to brush your teeth and gargle with mouthwash.
• Ensure that you take your antihypertensives (high-blood pressure medications): Take your morning dose with a sip of water when you wake up. If your blood pressure is elevated, your procedure may be cancelled.

ARRANGE FOR AN ADULT TO DRIVE YOU HOME

Remember that you must have a responsible adult/driver if you are having sedation. Please advise them that they will need to wait in our facility. Should your transportation include Lyft, Uber, etc. ensure an adult accompanies you besides the driver.

LIMIT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ACCOMPANY YOU

Space is limited, so please limit the family who accompanies you to one person.

LEAVE ALL VALUABLES AT HOME

Leave all jewelry and high-values items at home.

BRING INSURANCE CARD(S), PHOTO ID, & COMPLETED FORMS

To avoid any delays please bring insurance card(s) and photo ID.

SHOWER OR BATHE

To prevent the possibility of site infections, shower/bathe using antibacterial soap the morning of surgery, and refrain from using powders or lotions.

• Eye makeup, especially mascara, is discouraged because it may cause particles to get trapped in the eyes during anesthesia when natural tearing and blinking do not occur.  Corneal abrasions (scratches) can result.
• If you have artificial nails, please have 1 nail without nail polish, acrylic, or gel. This will allow our monitor to clip to your finger and read how well you are being oxygenated.

WHAT TO WEAR

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to remove and put back on. Avoid large belts, tight confining clothes, or items that require multiple ties or buttons.

ARRIVAL AT THE SURGERY CENTER

You can expect a call.