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Before, During

& After Ortho Surgery

 

 

To help you and your caregiver better prepare for orthopedic surgery, the following outlines what you need to know for before surgery, during your hospital stay and after discharge.

 

 

Before Surgery

• Medical History and Clearance
  All patients must provide their medical history (form will be provided by Westchase Surgical Associates).Depending upon your age and medical condition, you may be required to obtain medical clearance from your primary care physician prior to undergoing surgery. Medical clearance varies for each patient and generally involves lab work, a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram (EKG) — which should all be completed one to two weeks prior to your scheduled surgery.


• Medications
  Please provide a current list of your medications. You may need to stop taking certain medications prior to your surgery (some as early as one to two weeks prior to surgery). Do not bring your medications with you to the hospital. Any applicable home medications will be prescribed to you through the hospital’s pharmacy.

   

  Also, if any medications are necessary for surgery recovery, we recommend that you fill the prescriptions prior to your scheduled surgery so that the medications are readily available after you have been discharged from the hospital.



• Equipment
  Depending upon the type of surgical procedure, you may need to acquire medical equipment for your recovery period. We will work with you to determine your specific equipment needs, however, similar to the medications, we recommend that you obtain the necessary equipment prior to your scheduled surgery so that it is readily available after you have been discharged from the hospital.


• Get in Shape
  Any physical preparations you make can positively affect the outcome of your surgery and your recovery time.
  
  *  If you smoke, cut down or quit. Smoking changes blood flow patterns, delays healing and slows recovery.
  
  * If you drink alcohol, do not drink an alcoholic beverage for at least 48 hours prior to your surgery.
  
  * Eat nutritious foods. If you are overweight, we may recommend a weight loss program.
  
  * Consult with your doctor regarding pre-surgical exercises. When having hip or knee replacement surgery, exercise can strengthen your upper body and help you better cope with crutches or a walker after surgery. Isometric exercises can help maintain the strength of your leg muscles. Familiarize yourself with your post-surgery exercises and practice them now so that they will be easier to perform following surgery.

 

The Day Before Surgery

• Remove nail polish, if applicable.


• Prepare what to bring to the hospital (checklist will be provided).


• Leave all valuables at home (credit cards, money, jewelry, etc.).


• Shower the night before or the day of surgery; and do not shave the area of your surgery.


• Do not smoke, chew gum or eat candy.


• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before surgery (except for medications instructed by your surgeon).

 

The Day Of Surgery

• Remove all jewelry; please do not bring any jewelry to the hospital.


• Do not wear makeup or lipstick to the hospital.


• Arrive at the hospital two hours prior to your scheduled surgery time to register (i.e., if your surgery is scheduled at 10 a.m., please arrive at 8 a.m.).


• When provided a hospital gown, please undress and put on the gown (which ties in the back).


• A preoperative nurse will take your vital signs, review your personal history and review your medication needs.


• You will be administered an IV.


• You will be asked to sign certain consent forms.


• Meet with the anesthesiologist, who will discuss the plan for anesthesia.


• Meet with your surgeon, who will mark the correct surgical site.


• You may receive pre-anesthesia medication.


• You are now ready for the operating room! At this time, your family member or caregiver will be escorted to the surgical waiting room. The surgeon will speak with them in this room after your surgery is completed.

 

After Surgery: Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

• Your vital signs will be monitored very frequently, until stable.


• You will be placed in a hospital bed.


• You will have a dressing on your surgical wound.


• An X-ray needs to be taken of your surgical area.


• A nurse will assess your pain level and provide pain medications through your IV, as needed.


• Once you are awake enough and do not feel nauseated, you will be allowed ice chips and liquids.


• You may have some type of cooling device on the surgical area.


• You may have some type of compression or cooling device on the surgical area.


• Approximately one hour after you arrive in PACU, you will be taken to your regular hospital room — at which time you will be able to see your caregiver and/or family.

 

Physical and Occupational Therapy

• Physical Therapy
  Is the process of restoring movement and strength to operative joints, enabling you to regain independence and mobility. Following surgery, you’ll meet with a physical therapist and a gentle level of physical therapy begins as early as the first day following surgery. In addition, the physical therapist can help you with basic tasks, including getting in/out of a chair or car, walking with an assistive device, etc.


• Post-surgical Exercise
  A physical therapist may instruct you on exercises to improve your strength and increase your endurance. To facilitate a faster recovery and to promote optimal function of your new joint, continue exercising and adhering to any restrictions given to you when you return home. You may need to exercise four to five times a day for a month or more.


• Occupational Therapy
  Assists you in regaining independence with your daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing and getting to/from the restroom. An occupational therapist will teach you different ways to complete these tasks safely and independently following your surgery. The use of certain assistive devices will enable you to achieve more independence while completing self-care tasks.