Pre-op Examination
A patient's initial appointment with the Neurosurgeon is called a consultation and includes an evaluation of general health, review of the patient's medical history, findings from X-rays, CT scans, MRI studies and /or other diagnostic tests. It is extremely important to bring any x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans with you to your scheduled appointment and prior to any surgical procedure. You will be asked to complete a brief medical history questionnaire prior to seeing the doctor. You will also be asked to provide a list of any medications that you are currently taking and any allergies that you may have. The preoperative evaluation identifies conditions that could cause surgical complications. Any condition effecting the cardiovascular, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, nervous, gastrointestinal, or endocrine system can increase surgical risk. A clear understanding of these potential problems makes the surgical procedure safer. In some cases, the patient is referred to a medical specialist prior to elective surgery.

Pre-op Instructions

If you regularly take medication of any kind, including over the counter medications, your doctor may need to make medication changes before or after surgery. Ask your surgeon about taking your regular medications, including aspirin, ant-inflammatory drugs, coumadin, and other anti-inflammatory drugs, before surgery.

If you smoke, try to quit or at least cut down before surgery.

Your doctor may discuss blood donation with you, in case you need a blood transfusion to replace blood lost during surgery.

You may be asked to scrub the area where your incision will be made. If this area has hair, it may be shaved at the hospital.

You will probably be admitted to the hospital the day of surgery. Patients who have a scheduled admission will receive a telephone call from the Admitting Department prior to their admission date. You will be given individual instruction regarding how to get ready for the procedure. Bring your insurance cards or forms with you to the hospital.


+ Pre-Op Instructions
Board Certified in Neurosurgery
Spine Fellowship Trained
Appointments Call: (860) 522-7121  Fax: (860) 244-3516
Howard Lantner, M.D.    Tameka Brooks, A.P.R.N.