Before Surgery

Before Surgery

1. Medical Clearance & Preoperative Testing
   • Before surgery, your doctor will perform a complete physical examination to ensure you don’t have any conditions that could interfere with the procedure or outcomes.
   • Routine tests, such as blood tests and X-rays, are usually performed a week before any major surgery.
   • Discuss any medications you are taking with your surgeon and your family physician to determine which ones you should stop before surgery.
   • If you are taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, or any drugs that increase the risk of bleeding, you will need to stop taking them one week before surgery to minimize bleeding.
   • If you are on blood thinners (e.g., Plavix, Coumadin), consult both your surgeon and prescribing doctor for specific instructions.
   • If you smoke, you should stop or cut down to reduce your surgery risks and improve your recovery.
   • Discuss with your doctor options for preparing for potential blood replacement, including donating your own blood, medical interventions, and other treatments before surgery.
   • If you are overweight, losing weight before surgery will help decrease the stress on your new joint; however, you should not diet during the month before surgery.
   • Have any tooth, gum, bladder, or bowel problems treated before surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
   • Eat a well-balanced diet, supplemented by a daily multivitamin with iron.
   • Report any infections to your surgeon, as surgery cannot be performed until all infections have cleared up.
   • Arrange for someone to help with everyday tasks like cooking, shopping, and laundry.
   • Put frequently used items within easy reach before surgery to minimize bending and reaching.
   • Remove loose carpets and tape down electrical cords to avoid falls.
   • Ensure you have a stable chair with a firm seat cushion, a firm back, and two arms.
2. Fasting Guidelines
   • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery unless instructed otherwise.
   • You may take approved medications with a small sip of water.
3. Hygiene & Skin Care
   • Shower with antibacterial soap the night before and the morning of surgery.
   • Avoid applying lotions, creams, or nail polish to the surgical hand/arm.
4. What to Bring
   • Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing with short sleeves.
   • Bring a list of current medications and any necessary medical documents.
   • Have a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery.