Ways to Give  Ways to GiveContact Us  Contact Us >Patient Portals
Find a Physician Browse
Find a Physician
  1. Home
  2. Programs & Services
  3. Surgical Services
  4. Showering Before Surgery

Showering Before Surgery

Before you surgery, you can help us make sure your skin is as clean as possible. This is one of many steps we take to help reduce the chance of infections. You can reduce the number of germs on your skin by carefully washing before surgery, using the following instructions.

For all pre-op patients:

  • Change the sheets on your bed the first night of the bathing protocol
  • Use clean towels each time you shower
  • Wear clean pajamas each night and clean clothes each day
  • If you share your bed with anyone, please ask them to shower with an antibacterial soap the same nights that you do either protocol
  • Keep young children and pets out of your bed once you start your pre-op bathing protocol

For patients having the following surgeries:

  • All joint replacements (knee, hip and shoulder)
  • Spine surgeries (neck and back)
  • Bladder removal surgery (cystectomy)
  • Abdominal hysterectomies
  • C—Sections
  • Colon resections

There will be 2 packets containing 8 wipes each of Theraworx Protect with your Opioid Sparing Pathway Blister Pack, available from Greenline Apothecary.

  • Shower the night before surgery and the morning of your surgery
  • Dry off with a clean towel
  • Use one packet (8 wipes) of Theraworx Protect as directed
  • After using the wipes let your skin air dry and then put on clean clothes.

Patients having any other type of surgery

  • Shower the 2 evenings before and the morning of your surgery with an antibacterial soap such as Dial or Soft Soap
  • Use clean towels each time
  • Wear clean clothes or pajamas

If you have any questions or concerns please call the Pre-Admission Testing Nurses Line, leave us a message and we will return your call.

 Morning of your surgery:

  • Follow the shower instructions above.
  • Do not apply any lotion to your skin, or use hair products.
  • No nail polishes, artificial nails, make up or perfume.
  • Remove all jewelry (including all body piercings).
  • You may use deodorant, except if your procedure involves shoulders or neck.

NOTE:

If you share a bed, your partner will also need to use an anti-bacterial product such as: Soft soap, or Dial.

Do not allow pets or small children to sleep in your bed prior to surgery.