pre-op

How long does a pre-op take? I have to work in the afternoon and my appointment is at 12:30pm ??

It depends, and varies. My hosp pre op lasted about 1 1/2 hours. I spent a lot of time filling out forms and signing things in admissions, then met with a nurse for vitals, moved on to another one who did a detailed medical history and gave me my pre op instructions, then I went to the lab to have blood drawn.

Sometimes you also have to have a chest xray or EKG. I didn't.

It's hard to predict how long you may have to wait. If the pre op is at your DR's office, how long does a regular apt take there? Esp if they are also going to do lab work.

hi neshane,

I met with my surgeon - had an exam, filled out paperwork, then the nurse sent me all over the hospital for blood, EKG, etc...whole thing took me about 3 hours, but Im sure its different for everyone. Maybe the nurse can tell you what else you will have to do. Good luck and don't worry about work - they can survive an afternoon without you!


Sheri_lp

Just to add another experience to the mix, mine took about 20 minutes. Had to give a urine sample, they took blood & I signed some papers. They asked if I had questions & sent me on my way.

My pre-op was at the hospital, not the dr's office. Maybe you can call wherever you are having yours & get some idea how long it will take. The experiences seem to be all over the map!

Good luck to you!

Mongie

I had one at the doc's office (an ultra sound, pelvic exam and answering last minute questions) which lasted about 45 minutes. Then doc said I needed to go to hospital for meeting and tests. I called the hospital as it's an hour drive and they said my tests could be done the day of the surgery--come in about 1/2 earlier. I arrived about 10:45 for a 2:45 surgery, was in my room by 11:00 and the phlebotomist and EKG person came to my room before lunch. Also gave urine sample. They had the results before my surgery, no problem. If there's a chance you could be anemic, I'm sure the same-day testing would not work because your surgery would probably be cancelled. I had no excessive bleeding so it was not a concern for me. HTH