Surgery

Before you have surgery, you may be asked to wash your skin with a soap containing a chemical called CHG (chlorhexidine gluconate). This antiseptic eliminates many of the germs on your skin. It keeps your surgical site clean and free from infection. This video shows basic CHG showering directions. To get the full benefit, follow the directions for the specific soap you are asked to use.

You are scheduled to have surgery. The health care staff will try to make your stay comfortable. Use the guidelines below to remind yourself what to do before surgery.

It's normal to feel anxious before having surgery. Here are some ways to make you feel more comfortable about your pending procedure.

Before your scheduled surgery, your surgical team may advise you to wash your body using a CHG skin cleanser. This helps reduce your risk for a surgical site infection.