You have a question about your upcoming surgery, but your surgeon's office isn't answering or returning your calls. Maybe you're unsure about a medication, haven't received your instructions, or need to report a new symptom.
Not knowing who to contact can be frustrating, especially when surgery is only a day or two away.
Here's how to find the right person, what to do if you still can't get an answer, and when your question needs more urgent attention.
Your surgeon isn't necessarily the only person who can answer questions about your upcoming procedure.
Depending on how your surgical team is organized, you may be able to speak with:
If you reach someone who cannot answer your question, ask who is responsible for that decision and how to contact them.
Not every facility has the same communication process, so you may need to try more than one contact.
If you've already left a message and haven't received a response, try a more specific approach.
For example, instead of saying, "I have a question about surgery," explain, "My surgery is tomorrow, and I haven't received instructions about whether to take my morning medication."
That helps the office understand what needs to be addressed and when.
Keep track of whom you contacted, when you called, and any instructions you received.
If you have several questions, writing them down beforehand can also help. Our guide to Questions to Ask Before Surgery can help you organize them.
When surgery is less than 24 hours away, some questions become more time-sensitive.
Start by reviewing any instructions you've already received, including paperwork, portal messages, and preoperative appointment notes.
If you still need an answer:
If you're unsure about your arrival time, the surgical facility may be able to help confirm scheduling information.
If you're unsure about medications, fasting, or a new medical issue, make sure the question reaches an appropriate clinician.
Do not guess about safety-related instructions simply because you haven't received a callback.
If you cannot resolve the issue before leaving for surgery, tell the preoperative team immediately when you arrive, before taking any action that depends on the missing instructions. Some issues may need to be resolved before the procedure can safely proceed.
Some questions are mostly logistical. Others could affect whether you're safely prepared for anesthesia or surgery.
Contact your surgical team promptly if:
For questions about eating and drinking, see When Should I Stop Eating and Drinking Before Surgery?.
If you become ill, What Should I Do If I Get Sick Before Surgery? explains why notifying your surgical team matters.
Don't independently stop or change prescription medications to solve an unanswered question. Contact the prescribing clinician, surgical team, or another appropriate healthcare professional for guidance.
For severe chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, signs of stroke, or another possible medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency care rather than waiting for your surgeon's office.
Not necessarily.
An unanswered phone call or missing piece of paperwork doesn't automatically mean your surgery will be canceled.
However, some unresolved issues may affect whether your team can safely proceed. These might include medication questions, fasting concerns, illness, or required testing.
Your surgical and anesthesia teams are responsible for evaluating those issues and determining the appropriate next steps.
If you're worried something important hasn't been addressed, explain the situation to the team rather than assuming everything is fine or that cancellation is inevitable.
A few steps earlier in the preparation process can make it easier to get help when you need it.
Before surgery, try to confirm:
Keep these numbers with your surgery paperwork so you don't have to search for them at the last minute.
Preparing for surgery involves a lot of small but important steps. Download the free SurgiNav Surgery Prep Checklist to stay organized and feel more confident before your procedure.
If you can't reach your surgeon before surgery, start by contacting the office again and asking for the nurse, surgical coordinator, or appropriate member of the care team.
If surgery is approaching and you still need an answer, contact the hospital or surgery center or use the after-hours number provided by your team.
Most importantly, don't guess about medications, fasting, or new medical symptoms. Make sure important safety questions are addressed by an appropriate healthcare professional before your procedure.
Preparing for surgery can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to remember every detail on your own. Download the free SurgiNav Surgery Prep Checklist to stay organized, avoid common mistakes, and feel more confident before surgery day.
Download the Free Surgery Prep ChecklistThis article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team.
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Educational information only. Always follow your surgeon's instructions.