Preparing for surgery isn't about following a one-size-fits-all checklist. Fasting, medication, hygiene, transportation, and returning home depend on the procedure, the type of anesthesia, your health, and the hospital's protocol. This checklist helps you remember everything; however, the written instructions from your healthcare team always take precedence.
New: The Recovery Binder , 10 practical illustrated printable sheets (checklists, planners, letter templates, budget) to organize everything in one place.
Quick answer
Before your operation, prepare the required documents, declare your medications and allergies, and then arrange transportation and your return home. Fasting, medications, and hygiene depend on the procedure, the anesthesia, and your individual situation: the hospital's written instructions take precedence over this checklist. Do not change any medication on your own initiative. If any instructions are ambiguous or contradictory, contact the department; also report any changes in your health before the operation.
| Situation | What to check | Interlocutor or source |
|---|---|---|
| Admission and application | The date, the location, the documents and the tests required. | Summons; establishment. |
| Usual treatments | The complete list and the adaptations explicitly requested; no changes of your own initiative. | Medical team. |
| Fasting before the procedure | The most recent written instructions regarding food, beverages and treatments. | Anesthesia team or department. |
| Skin preparation | The products and techniques required; no shaving without explicit instructions. | Institution protocol. |
| Transport and return home | The necessary support, rules of conduct and available assistance according to your level of independence. | Institution and accompanying person. |
F.A.Q
Start with the consultations and the documents submitted
The consultation with the surgeon is to understand the purpose of the procedure, its expected benefits, risks, possible alternatives, and the likely recovery. The information must be clear and tailored to your needs so that you can make a free and informed decision. Write down your questions before the appointment and ask for clarification if anything remains unclear.
- Review the information documents and pre-operative instructions.
- Check the exact date, time, and location of the admission.
- Identify any tests or consultations that are still pending.
- Keep the number of the department or secretariat to contact.
- Report any changes in health that occurred before the operation immediately.
Depending on the procedure and the planned anesthesia, an anesthesia consultation will be scheduled before the operation . Please bring the requested documents and an up-to-date list of your medications. The anesthesiologist will assess your situation and provide you with personalized instructions; recommendations found online should not replace these instructions.
Prepare your administrative and medical file
The facility specifies the documents required for admission. Prepare them in an easy-to-find folder and check a few days before the procedure that nothing is missing.
- Identity document, health insurance card and supplementary health insurance certificate if requested.
- Summons, quote or administrative documents issued by the establishment.
- Test results, medical correspondence and imaging requested.
- List of your treatments, allergies and important medical history.
- Contact details of your attending physician and the professionals who are treating you.
- Documents relating to a trusted person or advance directives, if you have established any.
Also ask which expenses you may be responsible for: fees, potential overruns, private room, transportation, or equipment. The details vary depending on the facility, the practitioner, your insurance coverage, and the procedure.
Medications, allergies and supplements: declare everything
Provide a complete list of everything you are currently taking: prescription and over-the-counter medications, inhalers, injections, contraceptives, herbs, vitamins, and dietary supplements. Also include any known allergies, past reactions, and any difficulties encountered during previous anesthesia.
Do not stop, restart, or change any treatment on your own initiative. Some medications must be continued, others adjusted; this decision depends on your individual case and must be explicitly stated by the medical team. If two documents appear to contradict each other, call the department rather than making a decision yourself.
Fasting before the operation: follow the written instructions
Fasting guidelines vary depending on the procedure, patient, or facility. They may differ for certain foods, beverages, and routine medications. Follow only the schedules and instructions provided by the anesthesia team or department.
- Locate the most recent written instruction.
- Ask what is allowed if the wording seems ambiguous to you.
- Do not intentionally prolong the fast "for safety reasons".
- If you have eaten, drunk or taken any medication outside of the instructions, inform the department: do not conceal the deviation.
The team will decide on the appropriate course of action. This information contributes to your safety; it is not a fault to be concealed.
Hygiene, skin and hair: follow the establishment's protocol
Skin preparation varies depending on the area being treated and the local protocol. Use only the product prescribed, as directed. Do not spontaneously apply antiseptics, scrubs, creams, or oils to the area to be treated.
- Follow the instructions received for showering and washing your hair.
- Remove only the items requested by the establishment.
- Do not shave the surgical area unless explicitly instructed; a small skin lesion can be problematic.
- Report any wound, irritation, infection, rash or lesion that appears near the area.
Tobacco, alcohol, substances and supplements
Speak about it as soon as possible and without fear of judgment. Tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, other substances, and certain supplements can affect anesthesia, healing, or treatments. The team can offer support tailored to your situation.
Avoid "detox" protocols, supplements marketed as accelerating healing, and withdrawal schedules copied from another patient. Effective treatment is individualized and should not introduce any new products without medical approval.
Organize transport and accompaniment
Discharge arrangements depend on the type of procedure, the anesthesia, and your level of independence. Ask if someone should accompany you to and from the hospital or remain available at home. If this is not possible, inform the facility in advance so that a suitable solution can be discussed.
- Confirm who is driving or accompanying you.
- Save this person's number in your phone and in the contact list.
- Check the rules regarding driving, public transport and returning alone.
- Plan for access to the home, including keys, elevator and stairs.
- Inform the team if you live alone or if your caregiver is experiencing difficulties.
Pack your suitcase without overloading it
The exact list depends on whether it's an outpatient or inpatient procedure, the season, and the hospital's regulations. Prioritize documents, easy-to-put-on clothing, the usual aids requested, and a small hygiene kit. Do not bring unnecessary valuables.
Our hospital bag guide, "What to Bring," helps you prepare your essentials by category. It includes clearly marked partner links where generic products can be compared.
Commercial transparency: The image and button below are affiliate links and redirect to the correct product page. GuideChirurgie may receive a commission without changing the price paid. This product image only illustrates a soft garment with an elasticated waist: it does not replace trying on the garment, instructions specific to the surgical area, or the list provided by the hospital.
Also consider our post-operative home return checklist to prepare for the installation, available help and the first few hours after discharge.
Anticipating the return home
The French National Authority for Health (HAS) describes enhanced recovery after surgery as a coordinated approach that informs the patient, anticipates discharge, and involves them in their care. This does not mean returning home faster at all costs: discharge and care must be tailored to your condition and the team's protocol.
- Clear the passageways and reduce the risk of falls.
- Place useful items at an accessible height.
- Check the prescriptions and the care to be arranged after discharge.
- Plan simple meals that comply with the instructions received.
- Keep the service number with your exit documents.
To learn more, consult our guide to recovery after surgery at home , which details the setup, medications, wound care and warning signs without imposing a universal timeline.
The day before and the day of the operation: final check
the day before
- Review the fasting and medication instructions.
- Check the arrival time and route.
- Charge your phone and confirm the accompaniment.
- Prepare the file and suitcase without altering the received protocol.
Before leaving
- Follow the establishment's hygiene guidelines.
- Take only the medications specifically authorized.
- Do not bring jewelry or valuables if the establishment asks you to leave them at home.
- Notify the department if you have a fever, severe cough, infection, skin lesion, possible pregnancy or any other recent change.
When to call before the intervention
Contact the facility if your health condition changes, if a new treatment has started, if instructions could not be followed, if you no longer have an escort, or if an essential document is missing. The department will be able to advise you on what to do; do not decide on your own whether to cancel or proceed with the procedure.
In case of respiratory distress, chest pain, loss of consciousness, significant bleeding or other obvious emergency, call 15 or 112 immediately.
F.A.Q
Can I follow a checklist found online?
A general checklist helps organize documents and questions. It cannot determine your fasting schedule, medications, hygiene products, or the date you can resume activities. These points must come from the team familiar with your case.
What should I do if I don't understand an instruction?
Call the service and ask for a simple explanation, ideally confirmed in writing. You can also ask your companion to listen to the response. Don't compensate for unclear instructions with a rule read on a forum.
Do I need to buy any equipment before the operation?
Wait for a recommendation regarding medical devices, compression garments, dressings, walking aids, or specific cushions. However, you can prepare the environment, documents, and practical clothing without incurring unnecessary medical expenses.
Can I drive after the procedure?
There is no set timeframe for all procedures. Anesthesia, medication, pain, mobility, and vehicle type all play a role. Follow the team's decision and, if necessary, check your insurance policy.
If your procedure involves the groin, supplement this preparation with our guide on inguinal hernia surgery, returning home and warning signs.
For professional documents, check before admission who can provide a possible opinion and consult our guide on sick leave after surgery . The duration and procedures depend on the medical situation, position, and professional status.
Before leaving the hospital, remember to ask when a surgical area can be exposed or when a product can be applied. The scar and sun protection guide after surgery provides general guidelines that should be adapted to the team's instructions.
Institutional sources
- French National Authority for Health, Generic Checklist "Patient Safety in the Operating Room".
- French National Authority for Health, Using the checklist correctly.
- French National Authority for Health, Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Programs.
- French Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Anesthetic File.
- Health insurance, hospitalization: procedures and return home.
- Ministry of Health, Patient Information and Consent.
General information article, verified on July 16, 2026. It does not replace the assessment or instructions of your care team.
