Center for Brain & Spine | Neurosurgery
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BEFORE  SURGERY


THE WEEK BEFORE SURGERY 
  • Make sure your medical clearance and laboratory tests are completed.
  • Stop smoking and consuming alcohol.
  • Stop taking blood thinners (e.g. aspirin, plavix, coumadin (Warfarin), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis), fish oil, garlic, or vitamin E supplements) or anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Alleve), indomethacin). 
    • Be sure to discuss this with the physician prescribing these medications to you. If you are unsure whether or not you should be stopping a medication, please contact us.
  • Talk to your family and friends about your surgery. Set up transportation. 
  • Contact us if you have any additional questions about your condition or your surgery. 

THE DAY BEFORE SURGERY​
  • Shower using an antibacterial soap  (e.g., Hibiblens scrub. Make sure you allow the soap to dry for 1 minute before rinsing). This has been shown to reduce the risk of an infection. 
  • Pack a bag with the following: 
    • An extra copy of your images.
    • Current list of medications.
    • Personal toiletries, slippers, and extra clothes
    • If needed, bring glasses, a brace, walker, or any other items to make your stay more comfortable.
  • ​After midnight, do not eat or drink anything. This is to avoid the risk of vomiting, which could cause stomach contents to be breathed into the lungs during surgery.
  • If you are taking Heparin or low-molecular weight heparin (Lovenox), stop 24 hours before surgery. 

THE DAY OF SURGERY
  • Remove all jewelry, nail polish, and piercings. 
  • Do no wear contact lenses, body powder, creams, or hair pins. 
  • Do not shave in the area you will be having surgery. 
  • Wear comfortable clothing. 
  • Take any heart medications, seizure medications or blood pressure medications on your usual schedule with a sip of water.
  • If you are diabetic, do not take your insulin the morning of surgery.
  • Notify us if there have been any changes in your condition or medications since your last visit.
  • Make sure you have all your questions and concerns answered to your satisfaction prior to surgery. 
  • Make sure you have a friend or family member with you, who will be able to support you before and after surgery, and drive you home when needed.
Phone: 301-585-7900 . . . Email: contact@centerbrainspine.com . . . Address: 1300 Spring Street, Suite 210, Silver Spring, MD 20910
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