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Before Surgery:
• In the pre-op holding area you will get a gown to change into. A nurse will go over your medications and allergies, take your vital signs and make sure everything is in order for your surgery.
• Then you’ll see your surgeon. One thing your surgeon will do is sign the leg that will be operated on. You may be asked several times to say which leg is being operated on; this is standard procedure to prevent errors.
• You’ll also meet with your anesthetist, who will make sure you’re fit for anesthesia and discuss the plan for pain medication after surgery.
• Be aware that it’s possible for your surgery to be postponed if you’re sick or if you’ve eaten when you were instructed not to. If you’re sick the day before the surgery, let us know; we may decide before you come in to postpone it. Fevers, respiratory infections, breaks in the skin or a stomach virus can all complicate surgery and recovery.
• As you’re getting ready for surgery you’ll be started on an IV. (After the surgery, you’ll keep the IV to continue to receive fluids and medications.) Your family member or caregiver can stay with you until shortly before you are taken to the operating room.
After Surgery:
• You will go to the recovery area—the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU)—where you will stay for a minimum of 1 hour. The PACU is a large, open room in which many patients recover. There you will receive nasal oxygen, which you will continue to receive overnight. We will monitor your vital signs. An X-ray will be taken of your new joint.
• We will move you to your room once your vitals return to baseline and you’re able to stay awake, respond to commands and manage your pain.
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