Good preparation before surgery can reduce complications, support recovery, and help you know what to expect. This page provides general guidance for patients having gynecologic surgery. If anything on this page differs from instructions given to you directly by your surgeon, the pre-op clinic, the anesthesia team, or the hospital, always follow the instructions from your care team. Pre-op fasting guidance commonly allows clear liquids up to 2 hours before anesthesia and a light meal up to 6 hours before, but individual instructions may differ.
Quick Checklist: The Night Before and Morning of Surgery
The night before surgery
- Follow the fasting instructions provided by your care team exactly.
- Shower as instructed.
- Remove jewelry, contact lenses, and valuables.
- Pack your health card, photo ID, medication list, and any paperwork you were told to bring.
- Confirm your ride home and your support plan after surgery.
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Do not smoke or vape.
The morning of surgery
- Do not eat or drink unless you were specifically told that certain clear fluids are allowed.
- Take only the medications you were specifically told to take.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- Leave valuables at home.
- Arrive at the hospital or surgical centre at the time you were given.
Important medication safety note: Do not stop, start, or adjust prescription medications unless you have been specifically instructed to do so by your surgeon, the pre-op clinic, the anesthesia team, internal medicine, or the physician who prescribed that medication.
Surgeries We Perform
Dr. Peter Kruger specializes in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and pelvic floor reconstruction. Common procedures include:
Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery
Total laparoscopic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingectomy, ovarian cystectomy, excision of endometriosis, diagnostic laparoscopy
Pelvic Floor and Urogynecology
Uterosacral ligament suspension, anterior repair, posterior repair, perineorrhaphy, midurethral sling procedures
Vaginal Surgery
Vaginal hysterectomy, colpocleisis, examination under anesthesia, cervical procedures including LEEP and cone biopsy
Obstetric
Cesarean section and cesarean hysterectomy
Pre-Operative Timeline
4 to 6 Weeks Before Surgery
This is the best time to optimize your health and start planning for recovery.
- Review your medication list carefully with your care team.
- Tell us about all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, herbal products, injections, and any nicotine, cannabis, CBD, or alcohol use.
- If you smoke or vape, stopping now is strongly recommended. Smoking cessation 4 to 6 weeks before surgery can improve wound healing and reduce complications.
- Stay as active as you reasonably can.
- Focus on good nutrition, hydration, and sleep.
- Arrange time off work if needed.
- Start planning for transportation, help at home, and child care if applicable.
- Complete any bloodwork, imaging, or pre-op testing that has been requested.
2 Weeks Before Surgery
This is the time to confirm instructions and prepare your home.
- Review all instructions from the pre-op clinic and hospital.
- Confirm where to go, what time to arrive, and whether you are expected to go home the same day or stay overnight.
- Reconfirm your ride home.
- Make sure someone can help you after surgery if needed.
- Refill important regular prescriptions so you are not running out during recovery.
- Prepare easy meals, fluids, pads, and loose clothing at home.
- Let us know if you develop fever, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, flu-like illness, COVID symptoms, chest infection, or any significant new medical issue before surgery.
1 Week Before Surgery
This is the final review stage.
- Re-read your instructions carefully.
- Stop only the medications or supplements you were specifically told to stop.
- Avoid starting any new supplements or non-essential over-the-counter remedies unless approved.
- Make sure your transportation and support plan are confirmed.
- Keep eating and drinking normally unless you have been given special instructions.
2 Days Before Surgery
This is the time to finalize logistics.
- Pack your health card, photo ID, medication list, and any forms you were asked to bring.
- Pack glasses, hearing aids, inhalers, CPAP equipment, or mobility aids if relevant.
- Set aside loose, comfortable clothes for discharge.
- Bring sanitary pads if advised.
- Follow any special instructions given for your procedure, including bowel preparation if one has been prescribed.
The Day Before Surgery
- Follow your fasting instructions exactly.
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Do not smoke or vape.
- Shower as instructed.
- Pack your bag and documents.
- Take only the medications you were specifically told to take.
The Day of Surgery
- Do not eat or drink unless you were specifically told otherwise.
- Take only approved medications, exactly as instructed.
- Bring your health card, photo ID, and medication list.
- Arrive on time.
- Tell the team if anything has changed, including illness, fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, possible pregnancy, a new medication, or a new infection.
- For most day procedures, you will need someone to drive you home.
General Guidance for All Surgeries
Medications
Please bring an up-to-date list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter products, supplements, and injections.
Make sure you follow the detailed instructions provided by the pre-op clinic regarding blood thinners, GLP-1 or weight-loss medications, and steroids. Blood thinner instructions vary depending on the medication and the planned procedure. Current ASA-led multi-society guidance indicates that many patients taking GLP-1 medications may continue them before elective surgery, with individualized planning for higher-risk cases.
If you take steroids, follow the instructions provided by the internal medicine team or pre-op clinic.
Do not stop or adjust prescription medications unless you have been specifically instructed to do so.
Smoking, Vaping, Cannabis, and Alcohol
Smoking and vaping can increase the risk of breathing problems, wound complications, and delayed healing. Quitting at least 4 weeks before surgery is beneficial, and stopping even earlier is ideal.
Please tell your care team about smoking, vaping, cannabis, CBD, alcohol, or other substances. This helps the anesthesia team plan safely.
Fasting Before Surgery
Fasting instructions are important for your safety during anesthesia. Many patients are allowed clear liquids until 2 hours before anesthesia and a light meal until 6 hours before, but your personal instructions may differ depending on your surgery, health conditions, and anesthesia plan. Always follow the instructions given directly to you.
Transportation and Support
You should not plan to drive yourself home after anesthesia or sedation. Please arrange a ride home in advance. For some procedures, you may also need a responsible adult to stay with you after surgery.
What to Bring
Please bring:
- Your Alberta health card
- Photo ID
- An up-to-date medication list
- Inhalers, CPAP, or other essential medical devices if instructed
- Glasses or hearing aids if needed
- Loose, comfortable clothing
- Sanitary pads if advised
- Any paperwork you were told to bring
Bowel Preparation
Do not do a bowel preparation unless your surgical team specifically instructs you to do so. Not all gynecologic procedures require bowel prep.
Procedure-Specific Notes
Laparoscopy and Minimally Invasive Surgery
Examples include diagnostic laparoscopy, ovarian cystectomy, excision of endometriosis, and laparoscopic hysterectomy.
- Most patients go home the same day, depending on the procedure.
- You may have abdominal bloating or shoulder-tip pain afterward.
- Wear loose clothing for discharge.
- Plan for help at home for the first 24 hours after anesthesia.
Hysterectomy
Examples include total laparoscopic hysterectomy and vaginal hysterectomy.
- Recovery time varies depending on the surgical approach.
- Arrange extra support at home for the first few days.
- You will usually be given restrictions regarding lifting, intercourse, and vaginal insertion during healing.
- Bring sanitary pads, as some light bleeding or spotting may occur afterward.
Pelvic Floor and Prolapse Surgery
Examples include anterior repair, posterior repair, sacrospinous fixation, uterosacral suspension, and colpocleisis.
- Avoid heavy lifting and straining during recovery.
- Preventing constipation is important after surgery.
- Have any recommended stool softeners or bowel medications available at home.
- Bring pads in case of light vaginal bleeding or discharge.
- Arrange help at home if you care for others or frequently lift.
Midurethral Sling Surgery
Examples include TVT and TOT procedures.
- Most patients go home the same day.
- Some patients may temporarily have difficulty emptying the bladder after surgery.
- Follow your discharge instructions carefully.
- Make sure you have a ride home.
When to Call Before Surgery
Please contact our office or the hospital team before surgery if you develop any of the following:
- Fever
- Cough, shortness of breath, or flu-like symptoms
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Chest pain
- Suspected urinary tract infection
- Rash or skin infection
- Unexpected vaginal bleeding
- Possible pregnancy
- A major medication change
- No ride home or no support plan after surgery
Important Reminder
This page provides general educational guidance only. Your surgical plan, medication instructions, and fasting instructions may be different depending on your procedure and your medical history. Always follow the instructions given directly by your surgeon, the pre-op clinic, the anesthesia team, and the hospital.