Here is what to expect on the day of your surgery:

• A receptionist will check you in at the hospital registration desk.
• A nurse will take you back to a room and prepare you for surgery. He or she will start an IV, prepare the surgical site, and review your medical history and medications.
• Your orthopedic surgeon and anesthesiologist will visit with you prior to your operation.
• Your surgical care team will take you to your surgical suite.
• Once your surgery is complete, your team will take you to the post-anesthesia area, where a nurse will monitor your vital signs and assess your pain level.

For outpatient surgery:
Once the nurse determines you are stable and alert, we will review discharge instructions with your family member or friend who is responsible for driving you home.

For inpatient surgery:
If you are spending the night with us, you will be made comfortable in your suite inside the inpatient unit for the remainder of your stay.

• Your nurse will have, on average, only two patients under his or her care at one time, so you can expect highly attentive nursing care during your hospital stay.
• Your activity level during your hospital stay will be determined by your surgeon. Typically, patients are expected to be out of bed the day of surgery because early ambulation is important for preventing complications.
• Your physical therapist will develop a personalized exercise program. This program includes twice daily individual sessions, each session gearing you towards independence and discharge.
• We encourage you to wear your own clothes as soon as possible, so please bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with you the day of your surgery.

If you have questions about orthopedic surgery and how to prepare for it, please contact us.