Can I take my usual medicines before surgery?

Medication instructions must be individualized. Patients should provide a complete list and follow directions from the surgical, anesthesia and prescribing teams rather than stopping or changing medicines on their own.

Patient Education Center

Know What to Expect at Every Step

Q: Will I definitely need surgery?

No. A surgical consultation may lead to observation, additional testing, nonsurgical care, referral, or surgery depending on the diagnosis, symptoms, risks and goals.

Q: Will I need someone to drive me home?

A responsible adult driver is generally required after sedation or general anesthesia, and the facility may require someone to stay with the patient for a period after discharge.

Clear, practical guidance for your first visit with Dr. Michael Orloff, preparing for surgery, the day of your procedure, and recovery at home—plus education about the conditions and procedures treated by Suffolk Surgery.

Request an Appointment Call (631) 209-7080

Your Surgical Journey

From your first call through recovery

Open any stage below for a practical checklist and answers to the questions patients commonly ask. Instructions from Dr. Orloff, anesthesia, and your hospital always take priority.

Request a Visit

Gather the information the office needs.

Consultation

Understand the diagnosis and options.

Pre-Op

Complete testing and prepare safely.

Day of Surgery

Check in, anesthesia, surgery and recovery.

Post-Op

Heal at home and attend follow-up.

Stage 1Requesting your first appointment

How do I schedule?

Use the online appointment request or call Suffolk Surgery at (631) 209-7080. Tell the office why you are seeking care, who referred you, your preferred office, and the best way to reach you.

What should I have ready?

Photo ID and insurance card
Referral or authorization, if your plan requires one
Medication and supplement list with doses
Allergies and prior surgery history
Relevant reports, imaging discs, lab results and pathology

Do I need to fast for the office visit?

Usually not for a consultation unless the office specifically tells you to. Continue your normal medications unless a clinician gives different instructions.

What symptoms should I mention?

Describe where symptoms occur, when they started, what makes them better or worse, and whether you have fever, vomiting, bowel changes, weight loss, a bulge, or prior emergency visits.

Do not wait for an office appointment in an emergency. Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, fainting, chest pain, major bleeding, trouble breathing, or a painful hernia bulge with vomiting may require emergency evaluation.

Stage 2Your consultation with Dr. Orloff

What happens at the consultation?

Dr. Orloff reviews your symptoms, health history, medications, prior operations and testing, performs a focused examination, and explains whether more testing, observation, nonsurgical care, or surgery may be appropriate.

Will surgery be scheduled that day?

Sometimes, but not always. The diagnosis may need confirmation, medical conditions may need optimization, and insurance authorization, imaging, specialist clearance, or hospital scheduling may be required first.

What should I ask?

What is the diagnosis and are there alternatives?
Why is surgery recommended now?
Which approach—open, laparoscopic, or robotic—may be considered?
What are the important risks and expected benefits?
Will I go home the same day?
What help will I need during recovery?

Can someone come with me?

Yes. A trusted support person can help take notes and remember instructions. If you use hearing, mobility, language, or communication accommodations, tell the office before the visit.

Stage 3Preoperative preparation

What testing might I need?

Testing depends on the operation, anesthesia plan, age, symptoms and medical history. It may include blood work, an ECG, imaging, pregnancy testing, or medical and specialty clearance.

What about my medications?

Provide a complete list—including blood thinners, diabetes medicines, GLP-1 medicines, over-the-counter products and supplements. Do not stop, start, or change doses on your own. The surgical, anesthesia, and prescribing teams will give individualized instructions.

When do I stop eating and drinking?

Your hospital or anesthesia team will give a specific fasting schedule. Follow it exactly; eating or drinking outside the allowed times can delay or cancel surgery. Ask whether essential morning medicines should be taken with a small sip of water.

How should I prepare at home?

Arrange an adult driver and, when advised, overnight help
Fill approved prescriptions and stock easy-to-prepare foods
Plan child, pet and work responsibilities
Follow bathing or bowel-preparation instructions exactly
Do not shave the operative area yourself
Tell the team if you become ill or develop a skin infection

Does smoking matter?

Yes. Smoking can impair wound healing and increase lung and infection risks. Stopping before surgery helps; ask for support even if surgery is soon.

What should I bring?

Photo ID, insurance information, medication list, requested documents, glasses or hearing aids with cases, and any equipment the team requested. Leave valuables and jewelry at home.

Your pre-op packet is the final authority. Arrival time, fasting, bowel preparation, medication changes, skin cleansing and transportation rules vary by procedure and hospital.

Stage 4Day of surgery and intraoperative care

What happens after check-in?

The care team confirms your identity, procedure, consent, allergies, medications and fasting status. You may change clothing, have an IV placed, meet anesthesia, and speak with Dr. Orloff before going to the operating room.

What does “intraoperative” mean?

It means the period during the operation. The anesthesia team monitors breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen and comfort while the surgical team performs the planned procedure using sterile technique.

How is the surgical approach chosen?

The planned approach is based on your diagnosis, anatomy, prior operations and safety. Findings during surgery can require a change in technique or conversion from minimally invasive surgery to an open operation.

What happens immediately afterward?

You are taken to a recovery area where nurses monitor breathing, circulation, pain, nausea and the surgical site. Dr. Orloff or the hospital team will communicate the operative findings and next steps according to facility procedures.

Will tissue go to pathology?

Removed tissue or biopsy samples are often sent to a pathologist. Results are usually not immediate and are reviewed when available. Ask when and how you will receive them.

Will I go home the same day?

It depends on the procedure and recovery. Discharge generally requires stable vital signs, controlled symptoms, safe mobility when applicable, and a responsible ride. Some patients need observation or admission.

Stage 5Postoperative recovery and follow-up

How should I manage pain?

Use the medications and non-medication measures in your discharge instructions. Ask whether acetaminophen or an anti-inflammatory is appropriate for you and how to use any prescribed opioid safely. Do not drive or drink alcohol while taking sedating medicine.

How do I care for the incision?

Keep the area and dressings as directed, wash hands before and after wound care, and do not soak, apply products, or remove surgical glue, strips, staples or drains unless instructed.

What can I eat?

Follow the operation-specific diet. Many patients advance gradually as tolerated, but stomach, bowel, reflux and feeding-tube procedures may require a special plan. Hydration is important unless you have fluid restrictions.

When can I walk, lift, drive or work?

Short, frequent walks are commonly encouraged, but lifting, exercise, driving and return-to-work timing depend on the operation and medications. Follow the limits in your discharge paperwork until Dr. Orloff clears you.

What about constipation?

Anesthesia, lower activity, diet changes and opioid pain medicine can slow the bowel. Follow your written hydration, walking and bowel-regimen instructions. Call for severe swelling, repeated vomiting, worsening pain, or inability to pass gas or stool as directed.

Why is the follow-up visit important?

Follow-up is used to check healing, review pathology, remove staples or drains when needed, answer questions, and update diet and activity restrictions. Keep the appointment even if you feel well.

Call the surgical team promptly for fever according to your instructions, worsening redness or pain, cloudy or foul drainage, uncontrolled pain, repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, difficulty urinating, new one-sided leg swelling, or another concern listed in your discharge packet. Call 911 for severe trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, signs of stroke, or uncontrolled bleeding.

Conditions & Procedures

Explore Dr. Orloff’s surgical services

Search by condition or open a procedure for a patient-friendly overview of why it may be recommended, what it involves, and which questions to discuss at your consultation.

Showing all 21 topics

Gallbladder

Cholecystectomy

Surgery to remove the gallbladder

Why it is doneMost often for symptomatic gallstones or gallbladder inflammation; not every gallstone requires surgery.
What it involvesThe gallbladder is removed, usually through small incisions; an open operation may be needed for safety.
Recovery focusIncision care, gradual activity, hydration and following any temporary diet guidance. Bowel habits may change briefly.
Ask Dr. OrloffWhat testing confirms the diagnosis? Is a laparoscopic or robotic approach expected? When can I lift and return to work?

Appendix

Appendectomy

Surgery for an inflamed appendix

Why it is doneAppendicitis can worsen or perforate and usually needs prompt medical evaluation and treatment.
What it involvesThe appendix is removed laparoscopically or through an open incision. Perforation or abscess can change the plan.
Recovery focusLength of stay, antibiotics, diet and activity depend on whether the appendix was uncomplicated or perforated.
Seek urgent careNew or worsening right-lower abdominal pain, fever, repeated vomiting or a rigid abdomen should not wait for a routine appointment.

Groin Hernia

Inguinal Hernia Repair

Repair of a groin-area weakness or bulge

Why it is doneTo treat pain, activity limits, enlargement, or concern that bowel or tissue could become trapped.
What it involvesOpen, laparoscopic or robotic repair may be considered; mesh is commonly used to reinforce the abdominal wall.
Recovery focusWalking, swelling and bruising expectations, pain control, constipation prevention and lifting limits.
Urgent warningA suddenly painful, firm bulge that will not reduce—especially with vomiting or abdominal swelling—needs urgent evaluation.

Navel Hernia

Umbilical Hernia Repair

Repair of a weakness near the belly button

Why it is doneFor discomfort, enlargement, skin changes, or risk that tissue may become trapped.
What it involvesThe opening is closed through an open or minimally invasive approach; mesh use depends on size and individual factors.
Recovery focusProtecting the repair, avoiding strain, managing constipation and following lifting restrictions.
Ask Dr. OrloffDo I need repair now? Will mesh be recommended? How do weight, smoking, diabetes or pregnancy plans affect recurrence risk?

Prior Incision

Incisional Hernia Repair

Repair of a hernia at a prior surgical site

Why it is doneScar tissue can weaken the abdominal wall, allowing tissue or bowel to push through the old incision.
What it involvesRepair may be open, laparoscopic or robotic and often uses mesh; complex defects may need abdominal-wall reconstruction.
Planning focusPrior operative reports, CT imaging, weight, diabetes control, smoking and recurrence history may affect the plan.
Ask Dr. OrloffHow large is the defect? Is component separation or mesh planned? What can reduce recurrence risk?

Scar Tissue

Lysis of Adhesions

Release of internal abdominal scar tissue

Why it is doneAdhesions can cause bowel obstruction or selected cases of chronic symptoms; many adhesions cause no symptoms.
What it involvesScar bands are divided laparoscopically or through an open operation. Surgery itself can cause new adhesions.
Recovery focusReturn of bowel function, nausea, abdominal swelling, hydration and diet progression.
Urgent warningSevere cramping pain, vomiting, swelling and inability to pass gas or stool can indicate obstruction and need immediate evaluation.

Diaphragm

Hiatal Hernia Repair

Repair where the stomach moves through the diaphragm

Why it is doneFor selected patients with reflux, swallowing problems, pain, bleeding, obstruction or a large paraesophageal hernia.
What it involvesThe stomach is returned to the abdomen and the diaphragm opening is repaired; an antireflux procedure may be added.
Planning focusEndoscopy, contrast imaging, pH testing or esophageal motility testing may be needed depending on symptoms.
Recovery focusA staged diet, smaller meals, swallowing expectations and avoiding retching or heavy strain as directed.

Reflux / GERD

Antireflux Surgery

Surgery to reduce reflux in selected patients

Why it is doneFor carefully evaluated GERD when symptoms or complications persist, or when a patient is an appropriate surgical candidate.
What it involvesThe reflux barrier is reinforced, often with a fundoplication and hiatal hernia repair. Technique is individualized.
Planning focusConfirming that symptoms are caused by reflux and assessing swallowing function before surgery.
Ask Dr. OrloffWhich testing do I need? What are the chances of gas-bloat, trouble swallowing or recurrent reflux? Will I still need medication?

Stomach

Gastric Surgery

Operations involving the stomach

Why it is doneReasons may include a tumor, bleeding, perforation, ulcer complication, obstruction or another structural problem.
What it involvesThe specific operation may remove, repair or reconnect part of the stomach and can be minimally invasive or open.
Recovery focusDiet progression, hydration, nausea prevention, nutrition, bowel function and pathology review.
Ask Dr. OrloffHow much stomach may be affected? Will I need a temporary tube or drain? What long-term diet or vitamin monitoring is expected?

Small Intestine

Small Bowel Resection

Removal of a diseased segment of small intestine

Why it is doneFor obstruction, damaged blood supply, perforation, inflammation, tumor or another diseased segment.
What it involvesThe affected portion is removed and healthy ends are usually reconnected; findings determine the exact procedure.
Recovery focusReturn of bowel function, diet advancement, hydration, incision care and signs of infection or leakage.
Ask Dr. OrloffIs surgery urgent? How much bowel may be removed? What is the chance of an open operation, drain, tube or temporary ostomy?

Large Intestine

Colon Resection

Removal of a diseased portion of colon

Why it is doneFor cancer, polyps, diverticular disease, obstruction, perforation, bleeding, inflammation or other disease.
What it involvesThe affected colon is removed and the bowel may be reconnected. Some circumstances require a temporary or permanent ostomy.
Recovery focusWalking, lung exercises, pain control, bowel-function return, diet, hydration and pathology review.
Ask Dr. OrloffWhat segment is involved? Is minimally invasive surgery likely? Could I need an ostomy, and when will final pathology be discussed?

Spleen

Splenectomy

Removal of the spleen

Why it is doneFor trauma, certain blood disorders, enlargement, cysts, tumors or other spleen disease.
What it involvesThe spleen is removed laparoscopically, robotically or through an open incision depending on size, diagnosis and safety.
Lifelong focusThe spleen helps fight infection. Vaccination planning and prompt evaluation of fever are especially important after removal.
Ask Dr. OrloffWhich vaccines do I need and when? Do I need special fever instructions, medical identification, or precautions for travel and animal bites?

Adrenal Gland

Adrenalectomy

Removal of one adrenal gland or adrenal mass

Why it is doneFor a hormone-producing mass, a mass with concerning features, cancer, or selected enlarging tumors.
What it involvesThe gland is removed minimally invasively or through an open operation. Tumor size, location and hormone activity affect the approach.
Planning focusHormone testing and coordinated care with endocrinology or anesthesia may be essential; some patients need medicine before or after surgery.
Ask Dr. OrloffIs the mass producing hormones? Do I need special blood-pressure preparation or steroid replacement? How will the other adrenal gland function?

Diagnosis / Staging

Peritoneal Biopsies

Sampling the lining of the abdominal cavity

Why it is doneTo diagnose or stage unexplained nodules, inflammation, fluid, infection or possible cancer in the abdomen.
What it involvesSmall tissue samples may be obtained laparoscopically or during another operation and sent to pathology.
Recovery focusUsually follows the approach used and whether other procedures were performed at the same time.
Ask Dr. OrloffWhat findings are being evaluated? Will fluid also be tested? When will pathology be available and who will review next steps?

Venous Access

Portacath Insertion & Removal

Implanted access for long-term IV treatment

Why it is doneTo provide reliable access for chemotherapy, infusions, blood products or repeated blood draws; removal occurs when no longer needed or if problems arise.
What it involvesA small port is placed under the skin and connected to a catheter in a large vein, commonly with imaging guidance.
Care focusIncision care, keeping dressings dry as instructed, and watching for redness, drainage, swelling, fever or arm/neck discomfort.
Ask Dr. OrloffWhen can the port be used? Who flushes it? What symptoms could mean infection, clot, blockage or movement?

Feeding Access

PEG Tube

A feeding tube placed through the abdominal wall

Why it is doneTo provide nutrition, fluids or medicine when eating by mouth is unsafe or insufficient.
What it involvesA tube is guided into the stomach through the skin, usually with an endoscope and sedation or anesthesia.
Care focusDaily site care, flushing, secure positioning and the feeding plan provided by the clinical and nutrition teams.
Call for helpReport a dislodged or blocked tube, leakage, bleeding, worsening pain, redness, drainage, fever, vomiting or feeding intolerance promptly.

Airway Access

Tracheostomy

An opening in the neck to support breathing

Why it is doneFor prolonged ventilation, upper-airway obstruction, secretion management or another need for a secure airway.
What it involvesAn opening is made into the trachea and a tube is placed. It may be temporary or long-term.
Care focusHands-on teaching for suction, humidification, skin and tube care, communication, emergency supplies and caregiver support.
Ask the teamWho will teach home care? What if the tube plugs or comes out? What are the speaking, swallowing and removal plans?

Diagnosis

Lymph Node Biopsy

Removal of all or part of a lymph node for testing

Why it is doneTo evaluate enlargement, infection, lymphoma, another cancer or an unexplained abnormal test.
What it involvesA node may be sampled or removed through a small incision; location determines anesthesia and technique.
Recovery focusIncision care, swelling, bruising, numbness and watching for fluid collection or infection.
Ask Dr. OrloffWill the whole node be removed? Are special pathology studies needed? When will results be available and which doctor will explain them?

Skin & Soft Tissue

Skin and Soft-Tissue Excision

Removal of a cyst, mass, lesion or infected tissue

Why it is doneFor diagnosis, discomfort, growth, recurrent infection, suspicious changes or treatment of a known lesion.
What it involvesThe area is removed with local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia depending on size, depth and location.
Recovery focusDressing care, activity limits that protect the closure, and suture or staple removal when required.
Ask Dr. OrloffWill the specimen go to pathology? What scar should I expect? Will the wound be closed immediately or need packing?

Healing

Wound Care

Evaluation and treatment of acute or chronic wounds

Why it is doneFor infection, delayed healing, an open surgical wound, abscess, pressure injury or another complex wound.
What it may includeDebridement, drainage, dressings, packing, cultures, negative-pressure therapy and coordination of nutrition or medical conditions.
Home-care focusClean hands, correct supplies, the prescribed dressing schedule, pressure relief and knowing whom to call.
Call promptlyReport spreading redness, increasing warmth or pain, cloudy drainage, foul odor, fever, tissue color change or uncontrolled bleeding.

Minimally Invasive

Robotic-Assisted Surgery

A surgical approach, not a separate operation

What it isDr. Orloff controls the instruments from a surgeon console; the system does not operate independently.
Potential featuresThree-dimensional visualization, wristed instruments, tremor filtering and precise control can assist selected minimally invasive procedures.
Important contextBenefits and risks depend on the exact operation and patient. Robotic surgery is not appropriate for every situation and conversion to open surgery may be necessary.
Ask Dr. OrloffWhy is this approach recommended for me? What are the alternatives? How does it affect my risks, hospital stay and expected recovery?

No matching topic was found.
Try a broader term such as “hernia,” “bowel,” “biopsy,” or “wound.”

Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Advanced tools, directed by your surgeon

Robotic-assisted systems provide three-dimensional visualization and articulated instruments that Dr. Orloff controls throughout the operation. For appropriately selected procedures, this technology can support a minimally invasive approach.

It is important to compare robotic, laparoscopic and open surgery for your specific diagnosis. No approach guarantees less pain, a shorter stay, or a faster recovery, and patient safety may require changing the planned approach during surgery.

Surgeon-controlled technology
3D magnified visualization
Wristed surgical instruments
Individualized approach selection

Future Video Library

Education you can watch at your own pace

These ready-made spaces can later be replaced with Dr. Orloff’s videos without rebuilding the page.

Coming Soon

Getting Started

Preparing for Your First Visit

What to bring, how to describe symptoms, and questions worth asking.

Coming Soon

Before Surgery

Your Pre-Op Checklist

Testing, medication review, fasting, transportation and home preparation.

Coming Soon

Hospital Guide

What Happens on Surgery Day

Check-in, anesthesia, the operating room and the recovery area.

Coming Soon

Recovery

Incision and Wound Care

Keeping the site protected and recognizing changes that need a call.

Coming Soon

Recovery

Eating, Walking and Bowel Function

General recovery habits and why procedure-specific instructions matter.

Coming Soon

Safety

When to Call the Surgical Team

Common warning signs, office communication and medical emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you call

These answers apply generally. Your diagnosis, operation, health history and hospital may change what is recommended.

Will I definitely need surgery?

No. Your consultation may lead to observation, additional testing, medication, lifestyle changes, referral to another specialist, or surgery. The recommendation depends on your diagnosis, symptoms, risks and goals.

How is open, laparoscopic or robotic surgery chosen?

The approach depends on the condition, anatomy, prior operations, imaging, urgency and safety. A minimally invasive plan can sometimes require conversion to an open operation based on intraoperative findings.

How long will I be in the hospital?

Some procedures are outpatient, while others require observation or admission. The planned length of stay and the factors that could extend it will be discussed for your specific operation.

When will I receive my surgery time?

Hospitals often confirm arrival times close to the procedure date. Follow the office and facility process, and call if you have not received instructions by the time stated in your pre-op packet.

Can I take my usual medicines?

Do not assume. Blood thinners, diabetes medicines, GLP-1 medicines, supplements and other drugs may need an individualized plan. Follow the instructions from the surgical, anesthesia and prescribing teams.

Will I need someone to drive me home?

Yes after sedation or general anesthesia, and some facilities require a responsible adult to remain with you for a period after discharge. A taxi or rideshare alone may not meet facility policy.

When can I return to driving and work?

Timing depends on the operation, pain, mobility, job demands and medication use. Do not drive while impaired, taking sedating medicine, or unable to brake and turn safely. Get procedure-specific clearance.

How and when will pathology results be shared?

Pathology takes time because tissue must be processed and reviewed. Ask when results are expected and whether they will be discussed by phone, through a portal, or at the postoperative visit.

What if I get sick before surgery?

Call the office or facility promptly for fever, respiratory symptoms, vomiting, diarrhea, a new rash or skin infection, or another important health change. The team will decide whether surgery can proceed safely.

Whose instructions should I follow if advice differs?

Contact the office before acting. Dr. Orloff’s and the hospital/anesthesia team’s written instructions are specific to your case and override general information on this page.

American College of Surgeons MedlinePlus: Surgery CDC: Surgical-Site Infection NIDDK: Digestive Diseases FDA: Robotic-Assisted Systems

Have a question about your surgical care?

Request a consultation with Dr. Michael Orloff or call Suffolk Surgery. The office can help you identify the right next step and the appropriate location for your visit.

Request an Appointment Call (631) 209-7080

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