Pre-Operative

Pre-operative instructions are important for your comfort and safety.   It is very important to follow them carefully.  This will help prevent your surgery from being postponed or cancelled due to safety concerns.

• At the time you schedule surgery
• One week ahead
• The day before
• The day of surgery

• At the time you schedule surgery –
  • • Please ask any questions concerning your procedure.
    • If you are given a sling or brace, please bring this to the First State Surgery Center the day of surgery.
    • A Narcotic prescription consent form will be reviewed at the time you are signed up for surgery.
    • A full list of medications will need to be provided to your physician prior to surgery.
    • Certain medications, such as anti-inflammatories, aspirin and anticoagulants may need to be stopped prior to surgery.
    • Please provide an up to date pharmacy where prescriptions can be sent after surgery.
  • A First State Orthopaedics surgery scheduler will help guide patients through the surgery process.  
    • This will include setting a surgical time and date at the First State Surgery Center.
    • Your surgeon will determine if any lab work or any other special testing will need to be completed, such as an EKG.
    • You may need to be seen by your Family Doctor or other specialist, such as your Cardiologist, prior to your surgery. 
  • A representative of our Anesthesia team will contact you to review your medical history prior to surgery.  Depending upon certain medical conditions, it may be necessary to meet with the Anesthesiologist prior to surgery. 
    • The anesthesiologist will discuss the type of anesthesia that will be administered for your surgery.
      1. This could include general anesthesia where a small tube is placed in your windpipe.
      2. Regional anesthesia (nerve block) that will numb the operative extremity.
• One week ahead
  • Arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
  • Arrange for a driver to transport you the day of your surgery.   Your driver will be required to stay at the center during your surgery. You will not be permitted to drive home by yourself after surgery.
  • If there is any change in your physical condition prior to surgery, please call your physician and let them know.
• The day before
  • Call the surgery center to confirm the time of your surgery and ask any last-minute questions you may have. 
    • The best time to call is between 1:00pm and 4:00pm.
  • Do not drink or eat anything after midnight the day of your surgery
    • This includes gum, candy, or a cup of coffee.
    • You may be told to take your medications with a sip of water.
  • Please verify that your driver is available and will stay during your surgery. Unfortunately, if you do not have a driver, your surgery will need to be rescheduled.
  • Please verify that you have a responsible adult to accompany you and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
• The day of the surgery
  • Dress in light, loose, comfortable clothing
    • Loose button down shirts are best for upper extremity surgery.
    • Loose drawstring pants or shorts are best for lower extremity surgery.
    • Please do not wear makeup, hairspray, jewelry, nail polish, lotion or perfume of any kind.
    • Arrive 1-2 hours before your scheduled operation
      • Specific times will usually be given, but may be adjusted the day prior or the day of surgery.
    • Bring:
      • Your driver and responsible adult.
      • List of current medications and allergies.
      • Identification Card, Insurance Cards.
      • Any co-payments or payments.
      • Sling, crutches, braces if you were given preoperatively.
    • Do NOT bring:
    • Valuables. You should bring your ID and insurance cards but leave your other valuables at home.
    • Small children. Anyone who comes with you should be attending to you. If you are accompanying a child patient, you need your full attention for that child.
    • Contact lenses. If you must wear them because you don’t have glasses, bring the case with you so you can store them during the operation.