Pre-Op Preparation

If surgery is recommended, pre-op preparation and procedures play an important role in the success of the surgery and your overall recovery. At OSC, we have outlined pre-op processes that are detailed and consistent so the patient knows what to expect and is properly prepared. We find that this benefits both patients and physicians and is an important piece of the comprehensive care you will get at OSC.

 

Pre-Op preparation:

  • You will be given literature specific to your surgery.
  • You will need to arrange a ride home for the day of surgery if you are an outpatient, and for the expected discharge date if you will be an inpatient.
  • Do not eat or drink, chew tobacco, or use breath mints or gum after midnight the night before your surgery.
  • Review the pre-operative guidelines for inpatient surgery.
  • Review the pre-operative guidelines for outpatient surgery.
  • Please discontinue any medications listed prior to surgery.
  • Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can affect the function of the platelets in your blood and cause bleeding. To reduce the chance of excessive bleeding, please avoid all NSAID medications at least 7-10 days prior to surgery.
  • Some herb preparations can also cause bleeding, so we also recommend stopping natural herb supplements, including St. John’s Wort, Ginko Biloba, and Feverfew.
  • Celebrex is an NSAID that is in a different class of drugs and should be acceptable before surgery.
  • Tylenol products generally do not affect surgical bleeding so these can also be taken before surgery.

 

Pre-Op preparation guidelines for inpatient surgery:

  • Exercise regularly and eat nutritiously before surgery. This will promote healing and improve muscle strength, which will aid in a quicker recovery.
  • Your surgeon will let you know if your family physician needs to see you prior to surgery. If you are taking medication on a regular basis, your family physician will tell you if changes are needed. Make a list of your medications’ dosage and frequency, including over-the-counter medicine such as aspirin.
  • Many over-the-counter medicines have aspirin or ibuprofen, which could cause serious bleeding during surgery. You will be asked to stop all anti-inflammatory and aspirin products at least 7-10 days prior to surgery.
  • If you smoke, this is a good time to quit. Nicotine robs oxygen needed for proper healing of bone and tissue. Smoking may also increase your risk of infection. Help is available through your doctor to aid in smoking cessation.
  • Your dentist may need to see you prior to surgery to check for mouth or gum infection. It is very important that no infection be present as this can compromise your total joint.
  • Our surgery coordinator will advise you if you need any pre-operative testing done at the hospital.
  • You may also be scheduled for a pre-operative appointment with your surgeon’s office. A brief history and physical will be done and all the risk and benefits of surgery will be discussed. Any questions you have will be answered during this visit.
  • It is important to call us immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms two to three days prior to your scheduled surgery:
    • any type of infection anywhere on your body, including scrapes and rashes
    • cold, sore throat, or fever
    • any new health problem

Additional Pre-Op Preparation Information

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