What to bring to the hospital for surgery
Papers, glasses, a pen, and clothes for the trip home.
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Your surgical team's instructions come first
Ask your surgeon's office and your hospital for instructions for the day of surgery, and follow them. Ask your clinician about anything to do with your health. This page covers packing only.
Cards and papers
MedlinePlus includes your insurance card and a photo ID, like a driver's license, among things to bring. Bring any paperwork your hospital asks for.
Paper and a pen
MedlinePlus suggests a pen and paper, so you can jot down what your surgical team tells you.
Glasses
MedlinePlus suggests a case for your glasses, if you wear them.
Clothes and valuables
For the day of surgery, MedlinePlus suggests roomy, comfortable clothes and flat shoes, and keeping valuables at home. Ask your surgical team what to wear.
Ask about what you take and use
Ask your clinician and your hospital how to handle any medicines you take. Ask them, too, whether to bring any equipment you use.
FAQ
General information only, not medical advice. We are not a hospital, birth center, or health care provider, and we cannot tell you what your hospital provides, allows, or requires. Ask your clinician and your hospital or birth center what to bring and what to expect. For car seats, follow the seat maker's instructions and your vehicle owner's manual, and see NHTSA's car seat guidance. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911.
Next: overnight stay
A one-night bag.
