Good preparation lowers the chance of infection and helps the repair heal. Start on this list as soon as your surgery date is set.

In the weeks before

• Urine test: you'll give a urine sample about 1 to 2 weeks ahead so any infection can be treated before surgery.
• Stop smoking and vaping. Nicotine slows healing of both the urethra and the mouth, if a cheek graft is used.
• Blood thinners and aspirin: tell the office everything you take. Never stop a heart or stroke medication without checking with the doctor who prescribed it.
• Diabetes: keep your sugars as steady as you can. High sugar raises infection risk.
• Dental problems: if a cheek (buccal) graft is planned, let me know about loose teeth, mouth sores, or dental work coming up.

Plan for recovery at home

• You will usually go home with a urinary catheter for about 2 to 3 weeks.
• Loose pants or shorts make the catheter and leg bag easier to manage.
• Plan about 1 to 2 weeks off for desk work, longer for physical jobs.
• Arrange a ride home. You can't drive after anesthesia.
• If a cheek graft is planned, stock up on soft foods and cold drinks.

The day before and day of

• Follow the facility's eating and drinking instructions exactly.
• Shower the night before or morning of surgery.
• Bring a list of your medications and your insurance card.

Call right away

Call the office at (516) 535-1900, or go to the nearest emergency room after hours, if you have:

• Fever or chills in the days before surgery
• Burning, urgency, or cloudy urine
• Trouble passing urine, or you can't go at all

Your own instructions come first

Every patient is different. If the instructions you got at your visit or at discharge differ from this page, follow those, and call the office at (516) 535-1900 with any question.