Preparing for surgery
Thank you for choosing St. Luke’s and entrusting us with your care. Our goal is to support our patients with dignity, quality, and professionalism. We will do all we can to make your surgical experience as comfortable as possible.
Below is some general information about the surgery process.
If you need additional information this guide will help you understand, prepare, and recover from your surgery. By becoming informed and involved, you and your family can contribute to the success of your surgery.
If you have any questions before surgery, contact us at (314) 205-6010.
Pre-Admission Assessment
Before your surgery, a pre-admission assessment must be completed. When your procedure is scheduled, you will receive a date for a phone interview with the pre-admission nurse to review your medical history, current medications, and any known allergies. This helps determine if any further testing or evaluations are needed prior to your surgery. This may include an EKG, blood work or an x-ray.
The pre-admission nurse will help educate you and your family on the surgical process and answer any questions that you might have.
Pre-Registration
Pre-registering before your procedure helps reduce wait times and ensures a smoother check-in on the day of your surgery.
How to pre-register
- About 5–7 days before your procedure, you will receive a text message with a secure link provided by Cedar, St. Luke’s digital patient engagement partner. You can click the link and follow the prompts to pre-register
- You may also pre-register by calling us at 636-685-7879.
If you have not pre-registered, you will complete registration when you check in for surgery. We strongly encourage pre-registering in advance to avoid delays.
Before Surgery
- The St. Luke’s Surgery Department will tell you what time your surgery is and when to stop drinking and eating prior to your surgery.
- Your surgeon or the pre-admission team will tell you which medications to take or hold prior to surgery.
- If you develop symptoms such as a sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, or fever within 24-48 hours prior to your surgery, contact your surgeon’s office.
- If you smoke, use alcohol or marijuana, please stop for 24 hours prior to your surgery. Smoking reduces your body’s ability to heal and may contribute to infection.
- Bathe the night before surgery with CHG/Hibiclens or antibacterial soap and put clean bed linens on. Do not shave or trim the area where the surgery will be performed.
Day of Surgery
- Repeat the bathing process with antibacterial soap on the morning of surgery.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
- Bring a photo ID, health insurance card(s), form of payment, Advanced Directive or Power of Attorney papers.
- Leave all valuables at home, including medications, cash and jewelry.
- Bring a list of medications, including dosages.
- Bring Glasses, contacts, hearing aids, respiratory/CPAP equipment, inhalers, wheelchair, or walking devices if needed.
- If you use home oxygen, please bring your portable oxygen tank with you.
- Report to the Surgery Registration on the 3rd floor of the hospital, across from the Gift Shop.
- Arrive at the instructed time provided by the hospital to allow adequate time for the admission process.
After Surgery
- Patients who receive anesthesia may not drive themselves home; therefore, they must be driven by a responsible party.
- No public transportation (bus, taxi or Uber) is allowed unless your responsible adult cannot drive and will accompany you on the ride as a passenger.
- Your physician will provide specific instructions for care while recovering from home. After you leave the hospital, please call your surgeon’s office for all questions and concerns.
- It is suggested that you avoid strenuous mental and physical activities, not drive a car, and have someone with you for at least 24 hours.