What medications should I stop before surgery?

Cessation of medications must be done under the supervision of your primary physician. Usually, Dr. Davis wants you to stop all anti-inflammatory medications, including aspirin, two weeks prior to surgery. Warfarin (Coumadin) should stop a minimum of five days prior. Plavix, Trental, and other "blood thinners" should stop two to three weeks before surgery. Glucophage and certain other diabetes medications should stop 72 hours before surgery. Nicotine patches should be removed prior to surgery.

What medications can I take the morning of surgery?

The day of surgery you should have nothing to eat or drink from midnight the night prior. However, you are allowed to take a pill with a sip of water. Generally, you may take your heart, blood pressure and breathing related medications. All other medications should be held, unless specifically recommended by your physician. Usually, water pills (diuretics such as HCTZ and Lasix) should not be taken. Diabetes medications should not be taken. You may take a narcotic pain pill. Sedatives (such as valium, Soma, Flexeril) should not be taken.

What should I do to prepare for surgery?

To improve your chances of success, you should have a thorough pre-operative examination by your primary physician, as discussed in the "Instructions Before Spine Surgery" instruction sheet.

Why does Dr. Davis have me see my primary doctor before surgery?

To reduce your risk of complications from surgery or anesthesia, your primary physician must deem you healthy enough to undergo surgery. If you have laboratory abnormalities, EKG changes that are new or unexplained, or other findings, your surgery may need to be delayed.