Preparing For Your Surgery
We want to make your outpatient surgery experience as convenient and pleasant as possible. Our guided patient preparation and exceptional service ensures comforting and stress-free planning.
Prior to your procedure, please review the instructions and requirements below, and call us with any questions, requests, or special needs at (218) 728-0650. Please note, your physician may have additional, custom requirements, so please reach out to your physician directly should you have specific questions.
We will contact you one to two days prior to confirm the exact date and time of your surgery. If you will not be available at your primary phone number, please let us know how we can reach you. If you have not spoken with one of our nurses by 2 p.m. the day before your surgery, please call Lakewalk for confirmation.
Download a printable copy of our Medical Records Release Form.
Before Surgery
You will be required to undergo a physical exam and some routine lab tests prior to your surgery. This should be completed no later than 30 days prior to your surgery. Often your surgeon’s office can help arrange this for you, or you can always call us at Lakewalk Surgery Center. Please reference the pre-op requirements below and reach out to your physician with any additional, specific questions as their requirements may vary.
Pre-Op Requirements
When should I arrive for my surgery?
Patients should arrive one hour prior to their surgery.
Are there restrictions on what I ingest before surgery?
Do not eat or drink anything, including water, 8 hours prior to surgery. Your stomach must be empty. Do not chew gum, suck on candy or smoke. Do not use alcohol or tobacco within 24 hours of surgery. Do not take anti-inflammatories, vitamins or herbal medicines for 5 days prior to your surgery. (Examples include ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Nuprin, etc.)
Can I take my prescriptions prior to surgery?
Daily medications will be discussed during your pre-op phone call. Directions will be given about what meds to take with a small sip of water. If you are diabetic and use insulin, please ask your doctor about pre-surgery insulin dosage and bring your insulin with you. If you are unsure whether or not you can take a medication, please ask your doctor.
What hygiene steps do I need to take prior to surgery?
Please bathe or shower the evening before or the morning of your surgery with antibacterial soap. Do not wear makeup or jewelry on the area where you are having surgery. Eyeglasses, contact lenses, and dentures may need to be removed and stored in proper containers before surgery. Please bring containers with you.
What do I do if I’m sick prior to surgery?
If you have a cold, sore throat, fever or other illness 24 hours prior to surgery, please call your doctor as soon as possible. If you cannot reach your doctor, please report your illness to our medical staff at Lakewalk Surgery Center.
Do I need to share allergies with my surgeon?
Yes. If you have any allergies to medications, latex, tape, soap or foods, please inform your doctor or Lakewalk Surgery Center beforehand.
Does Lakewalk honor living wills?
Advanced directives (living wills) are not honored at Lakewalk Surgery Center.
My child is having surgery. What are your policies?
Parents or guardians may stay with the child before and after surgery. Children may bring a favorite stuffed animal or blanket into the operating and recovery rooms.
Any patient under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian sign the operative consent form.
We recommend that two adults be available to take a child home after surgery, if possible. One person can give his or her full attention to caring for the child while the other drives. Please call Lakewalk Surgery Center with any questions. We want to make surgery as comfortable as possible for you and your child.
Duluth, MN 55805
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