For Patients

It is important that you follow these guidelines in preparing for your day surgery.

On the business day before surgery:

• Please confirm your arrival time and surgery time by calling (617) 732-7324 between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. If you are scheduled for surgery on a Tuesday after a Monday holiday, please call to confirm your times on Friday.

On the night before surgery:

• Do not eat anything after midnight or your surgery will be cancelled. This includes candy, gum, vitamins, etc. 
• You are allowed to drink water up to four hours before your scheduled time of surgery, unless instructed otherwise. If you continue to drink after that time, your surgery will be cancelled. The only exception is if your doctor instructs you to take any medication with a small amount of water.

On the day of surgery:

• You may brush your teeth or use mouthwash, but be careful not to swallow any toothpaste or mouthwash.
• Do not eat anything. Unless instructed otherwise, you may drink water up to four hours before your scheduled time of surgery.
• Please be sure to remove all jewelry before coming to the hospital.
• Do not smoke.
• You must have a responsible adult escort you home if you are having any type of sedation or anesthesia. Your surgery will be cancelled if you do not have an escort home. If there is an exception to this, you will be notified by your surgeon or nurse.