Question:
Can you keep rings on during surgery?

I've been married for 24 years and I haven't been able to take my engagement andwedding ring off my hand for the last 16 years. Is it ok to keep them on during surgery and perhaps run some tape over the top of them...or will I need to get them cut off before surgery?? I hate to cut them because of the engraving inside of them. Help anyone....    — Lynne1958 (posted on November 16, 2001)

November 15, 2001
Lynne, I took my wedding band off but that was because I could... they made it sound like it would be no big deal if I couldn't. They used to need more access to your fingers during surgery; now the little infrared oxygen sensor just clips to your fingertip. Don't forget to ask your surgeon this question; they'll know your hospital's protocol. Good luck with your surgery!!
   — Julia M.

November 15, 2001
yes i think its up to hosp and surgeon. I do know one dr told a girl..get thm off or we'll have to cut them off because of swelling...they have a special product now to "slide" them off..i'd take them off if possible because my mom said AMAZING THINGS CAN COME UP MISSING WHEN YOUR ASLEEP. (she was a nurse)
   — Jackiis

November 15, 2001
If they can't get your rings off, they'll cover them with tape. No problem...this is happens all the time...it's fairly routine with patients who have severe edema.
   — [Anonymous]

November 16, 2001
I had to have mine cut off. I chose to go to a jeweler to have it done, but the hospital said they had a tool to do it. I started a great business relationship with my jeweler because after surgery, I had them resized 3 times! At the last time, my husband saw me looking and he got the idea for a Mother's ring that he gave me a year later! Whatever works:) Good Luck!
   — M B.

November 19, 2001
You HAVE to get them off. I was told to take mine off before surgery or they would cut them off. I wasn't sure why but soon found out after surgery. They gave me so much fluid during the surgery that I blew up like a water-balloon. I was so swollen for 2 days. Im glad I listen and did as I was told!!
   — Elizabeth C.

November 22, 2001
The admitting nurse told me that they would just tape them but when I woke up my college ring and wedding ring had been cut off badly. If you can't get your rings off go to a jeweler so he can cut it them repair it.
   — [Anonymous]

December 14, 2002
If possible, I wouldn't even go to the hosptial with them at all. First of all, any jewelry creates a septic environment for bacteria and microorganisms to live - so even if they say it's ok to keep them on, I would get them cut off pre-hospital! You want to do everything you can to remain as sterile as possible, and rings (especially) harbor many microorganisms!!!!
   — Sarah F.