Kennedy Yalamanchili, M.D. F.A.C.S.

At least Four to Six  Before Surgery…

• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of Vitamin C and protein. Vitamin C promotes tissue healing. Vitamins and minerals, combined with a diet high in protein, provides the nutritional elements needed for good wound healing.

• If you are diabetic, make sure your blood glucose is well controlled. Uncontrolled sugars decrease your body's ability to heal and is one of the major contributors to healing problems after surgery.

• Tattoos and Piercings are not recommended to get prior to surgery, as this increases your risk of infection.

• Discontinue use of any nicotine products. This includes cigarettes, cigars, nicotine gum, chews, and patches. Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict, decreasing the amount of oxygen that is delivered to your tissues trying to heal.

• If you are undergoing a spinal fusion, it is imperative that you stop smoking as this will delay bone healing and increases the risk not fusing by at least 30%. 

 

One to Two Weeks Before Surgery…

• Review all of your medications and discontinue medications that affect the blood clotting process. 

• Begin high dose Vitamin C supplements (2 grams per day) one week prior to surgery and continue for one week following surgery. Vitamin C is a critical molecule needed for making collagen, the substance that heals tissues back together. Vitamin C is water-soluble, this means there is no risk of getting too much because the excess will be naturally excreted.

 

The Day Before Surgery…

• Please inform us if you have any lacerations, cuts, open wounds, or burns prior to the day of surgery. Your surgery may need to be delayed to decrease the risk of infection.

• No alcoholic beverages.

 

The Night Before Surgery…

• Shower with Hibiclens.. If you are having a craniotomy, be sure to wash your hair.

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to your surgery. Doing so may cause contents in your stomach to enter the lungs while under anesthesia, which can cause life-threatening complications.

 

The Morning of Surgery…

• Shower with Hibiclens. Do Not apply  lotion.

• Remove all jewelry, including body piercing.

• You may take the following medications with a sip of water:

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• If you are diabetic, do not take your insulin or pills the morning of surgery. We will monitor your blood sugar and treat appropriately.