Preparing for Surgery

Orthopedic Surgery Preparations

The following are important reminders as you prepare for your upcoming surgery. At any point in time, contact us at (630) 513-2635 if you have any questions.

Please review Patients’ Rights and Responsibilities form prior to your surgery.

Things to Do

Within 30 days:

Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider within 30 days of your surgery date.

If necessary obtain clearance from other medical specialists such as your cardiologist, pulmonologist and hematologist.

Seven days prior to surgery:

Stop taking:

• All herbal supplements
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as:
  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen
  • Aleve
  • Motrin

Notify the pre-surgical staff of illness

Please notify the pre-surgical staff of any symptoms of illness in the week ahead of surgery, including symptoms of colds, flu, fever, rash, sore throat or any antibiotic use.

Several days before your scheduled surgery:

A pre-op nurse will call you several days before your scheduled surgery to discuss your medical history and standard pre-admission information. This includes:

• Verification of the surgical site
• The name and appointment date with your primary care provider. Any necessary clearance from other medical specialists.
• Pre-surgical testing and lab work that is needed based on your medical history.
• Medications that should be stopped prior to surgery – certain medications will need to be stopped only with the permission of the doctor who prescribed them, along with the date on which they should be stopped.

Things to Remember

Communicate with the pre-surgical staff:

If you have any changes that develop after your phone call with the pre-op nurse about any health or medication changes – including any changes made at your pre-operative appointment – please notify the pre-surgical staff immediately.

Equipment:

If your surgeon has ordered any special equipment for you, you will be given a teaching appointment. The surgical staff will teach you how to use the equipment and how to care for yourself after surgery.

Your procedure may be canceled if:

• You have eaten or drank anything after the cut off time given by the nurse. This includes all solid food and liquids. In addition, this also includes water, gum, candy or breath mints.
• You are still taking medications that you have been instructed to stop. This may include, but not limited to, medications such as Aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Motrin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, anticoagulant medications, fish oil, vitamin E, or any herbal supplements.
• You are not feeling well on the day of the procedure.
• If there is no one to drive you home and stay with you at home for the first 24 hours after your procedure.

Day Before Your Surgery – Arrival Time:

You can expect a phone call early in the afternoon the day prior to your procedure in which you will be given the time you should arrive at the surgery center.

If we leave a message for you regarding the time, please return the call by 4:00 p.m. If you have not received a phone call by 4:00 p.m., please call us.

Do You Have Questions?

We want to make your outpatient surgery experience as easy as possible. We are here for you if you have any questions or concerns — please call the surgery department.

We are open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. You may leave a message during off-hours.