Preparing for Your Surgery

In the weeks and days prior to your surgery, there are a number of things you will need to accomplish.

Please review the following information and make sure if you have any questions, that you address them with your doctor or a member of the Sierra Surgery Hospital staff.

Your doctor may have additional recommendations regarding preparation for surgery. Please be sure to follow those recommendations carefully.

  • Please call or visit Sierra Surgery Hospital as soon as your surgery is scheduled because the pre-admission process may include medical testing. It is mandatory that all paperwork and testing be completed before the scheduled surgery day to avoid cancellation of your surgery. 
  • Please complete the Pre-Anesthesia Healthcare Screening form.
  • One of our Case Management nurses will contact you 2-10 business days prior to your surgery to obtain your health history and to notify you if any pre-op testing is needed. If you have not received a call the day before your procedure, please call 775-883-1700 and ask for a case manager.
  • If you have any of the following medical conditions, please tell the Case Management nurse:
    • Latex allergy or latex sensitivity
    • Diabetes 
    • Heart conditions 
    • Kidney or liver failure 
    • Pregnancy 
    • Sleep apnea 
    • You are on home oxygen
  • The registration department will contact you at least a week prior to your surgery to obtain insurance information and give you information pertaining to your surgery. 
  • Each patient must arrange for a responsible adult to drive them home from surgery. This adult should stay with you for the first several hours after surgery and preferably overnight.
  • It is important that you are involved in your recovery by knowing what to expect. At your pre-op appointment with your doctor, some questions you may want to ask are:
    • What medications do I need to stop taking before and/or after surgery? 
    • How can I minimize post-surgical side effects and complications such as nausea, vomiting, pain, infection or blood clots? 
    • How much pain will there be? Will I receive medication for it? What kind of pain is normal to expect? How long will the pain last? 
    • What should I expect during my recovery period? 
    • Will I need to arrange for some assistance at home? If so, for how long? Is it covered by my insurance? (You will need to ask your insurance company). 
    • When can I bathe or shower? 
    • Are there any diet restrictions due to my surgical procedure? 
    • What precautions do I need to take after my surgery? And how long should I be taking the precautions? 
    • Will I need any special equipment for my home? Do I need crutches after surgery? 
    • Do I change the bandage? 
    • When can I expect to resume normal activities? 
    • When can I return to work? 
    • Can I put weight on the leg that I had surgery on? 
    • Are there any special instructions?