Pre-surgery skin preparation
You can reduce the number of germs on your skin by carefully washing with a special soap provided by the nurse performing your pre-surgery evaluation or available from your surgeon’s office. The soap will come in a sponge applicator. Shower or bathe using the special soap the morning of your surgery.
- Do not use the soap if you are allergic to chlorhexidine.
- Do not shave or remove hair from the area of your body where your surgery will be done.
- Wash your hair during one or both showers using your normal shampoo.
- Rinse your hair and body after you shampoo your hair.
- Wet the sponge and apply soap to your entire body from the neck down; do not use near eyes or ears. Wash your body gently for five minutes, paying special attention to the area where your surgery will be done. Turn the water off while you wash to prevent rinsing the soap off too soon.
- Turn the water back on and rinse your body thoroughly. Do not wash with your regular soap.
- Pat yourself dry with a clean, soft towel. Do not apply lotions, creams or powders.
Please arrive at the hospital on time so that all preparations can be completed according to schedule.
Surgery Locations and Parking
Depending on your surgery type and scheduling your surgery may take place place at different Mission Hospital locations. Always check with your surgeon’s office on the time and location surgey will take place. Please allow ample time to arrive for surgery and check our Maps & Directions section for additional information or locations and traffic updates. All parking is free. Leave your suitcase in your car until your room has been assigned.
Your surgery may take place at the following locations:
 Mission Hospital - Memorial Campus(Free Valet Parking Available) 509 Biltmore Avenue Asheville, NC 28801 More information |
Mission Hospital – St. Joseph Campus 428 Biltmore Avenue Asheville, NC 28801 More information |
| Asheville Surgery Cener 5 Medical Park Drive Asheville, NC 28803 More Information |
Mission Hospital - Owen Heart Center (Heart Surgery) 509 Biltmore Avenue Asheville, NC 28801 More Information |
What to bring on the day of your surgery:
- Non-skid slippers
- Crutches, walkers, canes or prosthetic devices, if appropriate
- Cases for glasses, hearing aids, and dentures
- If staying overnight, you may also bring a robe and essential toiletries
- Please leave money, jewelry, contact lenses, credit cards and electrical appliances, such as radios and heating pads, at home.
What to wear the day of your surgery:
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- Do not wear cosmetics, eye make-up or nail polish.
- Be prepared to remove hairpins, dentures, bridgework, hearing aids, and glasses before surgery and give them to a family member or friend for safekeeping.
- Remove all jewelry (rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces) before coming to the hospital. This includes any and all body piercings.
What to expect as you go into and through surgery:
- You will go to the pre-operative area to change into a hospital gown. A special bag is provided for your clothes and other belongings.
- You may be asked some of the questions that you have already answered during your pre-surgery evaluation. Your physical condition will also be checked again.
- An intravenous (IV) line will be started to give you medications and fluids during surgery.
- A friend or family member may wait with you until you are taken to the operating room. Then he or she will be instructed where to wait during your surgery.
- Operating rooms are often very cool. Blankets will be provided to keep you warm.
- When your surgeon is ready, your anesthesia will be given. Your heart activity, blood pressure and oxygen levels will be watched carefully.
- After your surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area.If you have general anesthesia, your throat may be sore from the tube used to help you breathe during surgery. The soreness is usually not severe and normally disappears within 24 hours.
- If you experience nausea or pain after surgery, inform your nurse, who will make you as comfortable as possible.
- Your doctor may order medications, special hose, or compression devices that improve blood flow and prevent blood clots.
