FAQs

Dr Lerner operates three days a week he has performed over 400 robotic surgeries and over 400 other procedures yearly.

Do not eat any solid food after midnight the day before surgery. You can have clear liquids up to 4 hours before scheduled operating time. You should also avoid milk and cream after this time.

Anticoagulants (blood thinners):

Anticoagulants (blood thinners) usually need to be stopped several days before surgery. Oral medications may need to be replaced with injected or intravenous (IV) medications. It is extremely important that both your surgeon and your physician (who has ordered the anticoagulants) discuss the optimum timing for stopping these medicines. Please be aware that many drugs and herbal products may be anticoagulants (blood thinners) although they are not used for that purpose.

Prescription anticoagulants include:

• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
• Clopidogrel (Plavix)
• Ticlopidine (Ticlid)
• Aspirin (in many versions)
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory (NSAIDs) (in many versions)

Non-prescription (over-the counter or herbal) anticoagulants include:

• Aspirin (in many versions)
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory (NSAIDs) (in many versions)
• Vitamin E
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Ginkgo Biloba

In general, blood pressure (heart) medications, anti-seizure medications and acetaminophen-containing pain medications (no aspirin or NSAIDs) should be taken the morning of surgery with a sip of water. Insulin may be given in a reduced dose. Discuss this with your anesthesiologist. Oral hypoglycemic (diabetes pills) should NOT be taken.

A persons response to surgery varies. It’s normal to feel tired for a few weeks after the surgery. Pay attention to your body and rest when needed. You should discuss your specific exercise routine with your doctor.

You shouldn’t drive while taking narcotic pain medication. When you resume driving you should feel comfortable looking behind you and pressing on the brake pedals.

• You are feeling confused, dizzy, overly tired or weak
• Your heartbeat feels unusual or irregular
• You have been unable to eat or drink in the past 24 hours
• You have been nauseated or vomiting for more than 24 hours
• Your bowels do not move for 2-3 days
• You have diarrhea (loose, watery stool) for more than 24 hours
• You have blood in your urine or in your stools (either bright red or black bowel movements). Please note that iron supplements may turn your stools very dark in color.
• You have any vaginal bleeding or discharge that is unusual for you
• You have pain that is not controlled by your current medication
• You notice any changes in your IV catheter or surgical drains (if any), including a change in the appearance of the line, redness, drainage, swelling or pain.
• You have an oral temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.1 degrees C) or higher