Preparing for Surgery
After the Decision for Surgery
Most commonly after your surgical procedure you will go home the same
day; alternatively, some medical conditions and procedures may require
an overnight stay at the St.
Vincent Orthopedic Center. Make sure to plan
for your surgery accordingly taking your work, family and other obligations
into account.
- Clearance: Based on your health and medical condition, we may schedule
you to see a medical doctor who is a specialist in surgical medicine
for a medical clearance. Based on your unique circumstances, special
tests may be required before we can proceed safely with your surgical
procedure. Rest assured that we are only concerned about giving you the
best possible outcome. Download
Forms to fill out and bring for your preoperative evaluation here.
- Medications: You may be instructed to stop certain medications (such
as strong blood thinners like Plavix or Coumadin) several days to a week
before your surgery. In addition, you may be instructed to take some
of your medications the morning of surgery even though you won't be allowed
to eat that morning. It is important for you to bring a list (or a bag
of pill bottles) including all your medications to your medical clearance.
This includes vitamins, over-the-counter medications, and supplements
(a number of medications and supplements may interact with medications
you might receive after surgery).
The day before your scheduled procedure, we will call you with additional
instructions and reminders. You will be told when and where to come the
next morning, and you will be reminded not to eat or drink anything after
midnight. This does not apply to the medications that you have been instructed
to take the morning of surgery with a small sip of water. Be sure to follow
these recommendations strictly, as your surgery might otherwise have to
be re-scheduled.