Before Surgery
What kinds of tests will I need before surgery?
All patients are required to have routine blood work and urinalysis performed. These tests should be performed within 14 days of the scheduled surgery in order to be acceptable. In addition, all patients are required to have a physical examination which can be performed at any time within 30 days of the surgical date. Patients over the age of 50 are required to have an EKG and chest x-ray performed within 30 days of the surgical date. Patients below the age of 50 with any cardiac or respiratory history may also be required to have these tests performed.
Most pre-admission testing and physical evaluations can be performed either by the patient’s personal physician or at the hospital where the procedure will be performed.
Please be advised that if an abnormal exam or test result is reported, a further evaluation or repeat testing may be required. This does not necessarily mean surgery is canceled, but for your own safety, it is standard procedure to conduct further investigation.
Will I need to donate blood before surgery?
The patient will receive blood from the hospital blood bank if necessary. Hospitals follow universal guidelines in screening blood and blood products to assure the patient’s safety as much as possible in this situation.
Are there any medicines I need to take before surgery?
It is recommended that patients take an iron supplement prior to surgery particularly if you will be donating your own blood. These supplements may be purchased at any drugstore or recommended by your family physician. Consult your physician for suggested iron supplements before purchasing them.
How long will I be in the hospital?
For joint replacement surgery, most patients are hospitalized for 4 days, including the day of surgery. Hospital stays may vary if the patient is either going to a rehabilitation center, a sub-acute facility, or not cleared medically or surgically for discharge home.
Please be advised that most insurance plans cover 3-4 days of acute care in the hospital for total knee replacement surgery. Some insurances do provide for further care in several other types of facilities. It is advisable for each patient to contact their health insurance provider for specific programs covered and to obtain these provisions in writing.
What should I bring to the hospital?
All patients should bring with them personal toiletries and shaving gear, loose fitting, comfortable clothing, non-skid shoes or slippers (slip-on type with closed back preferred), a list of their current medications (including dosages), and any paperwork the hospital may have requested.
Please be advised that the hospital provides pajamas, gowns, robes, slipper socks, and a small toiletries supply. Most patients, however, do supplement these with the articles outlined above, at least in terms of toiletries.
In addition, if you have an assistive device that you plan to use after discharge (i.e., walker, cane, crutches) but are not currently using, you should have someone bring this in prior to discharge so the physical therapist can check to assure that it is the adequate size for you. Contact the hospital where your surgery will take place for specific information regarding your hospital stay and assistive devices.
It is not recommended that you bring radios, TVs, or large amounts of cash.
When should I arrive at the hospital for my surgery?
Patients are generally requested to arrive at the hospital 2 hours prior to the scheduled surgery time. This allows time for you to go through the admission process, change into hospital clothing, and meet the anesthesiologist and nursing personnel who will be with you during your surgery and will be able to answer your questions.
Please be advised that you should not eat or drink from midnight on the day of your surgery. In some cases your physician may allow you to take a medication the morning of surgery. If this is the case, you should take the medication with the least amount of water necessary. Report to the admitting nurse any medications (and dosage) you may have taken.
Can my family stay with me during this time?
Families may stay with patients until the patient is taken to the operating room. Consult your hospital for their specific rules.
Will anyone contact me before surgery to discuss any concerns I may have?
The orthopaedic surgery patients are followed throughout their experience by a case manager. The case manager’s role is to assist the patient in planning for discharge, answer any questions the patient may have in terms of their case, and provide a supportive link throughout the patient’s surgical experience. You will be contacted by the case manager prior to your surgery and assisted in planning for your individualized case management. The case manager will also schedule you to attend a pre-operative class in which you and your family members will receive instructions for each phase of your surgical experience. The classes are held on a rotating weekly schedule for total hip and total knee patients and are highly recommended. By attending class, both you and your case manager are better able to plan for your upcoming surgical experience. Contact the hospital for further details about the pre-operative class.
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