The Day of Surgery
What to bring with you the day of surgery:
- Photo ID and insurance card
- Cane, crutches or walker
- If you do not have these devices prior to the day of surgery, they will be given to you that day or the day of discharge if you stay overnight
- Dress appropriately
- You may wish to bring some clothes from home with you if you are staying in the hospital.
- Please make sure that any clothing you intend to wear during your stay is large enough to fit over your bandage on your knee.
- Clothing like shorts or wide leg sweat pants are preferred.
- Friend or family member
- Leave the following at home:
- Jewelry
- Money/valuables
What to expect when you arrive to the hospital:
- Once you arrive, you will check in at the surgical registration desk. There you will be directed to the preoperative area where you will prepare for your surgery.
- An intravenous (IV) line will be started in your arm so fluids and medications can be administered.
- You will then meet with the anesthesiologist and their team to discuss what type of anesthesia will be best for you.
- Anesthesia, including spinal and general, will be considered.
You will meet with Dr. Frisch preoperatively before you go to the operating room.
- He will mark your surgical knee and talk to you about any concerns you may have.
- You will meet your nurse and other assistants that will be in the room with you that day.
Surgery
- When it is time to go to the operating room, your family/friends will be escorted to the waiting area.
- Once you are brought to the operating room, we will position you comfortably for your procedure.
- After surgery, you will be transported to an area called the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) or recovery room.
- Your stay in the PACU will depend upon your rate of recovery from the effects of the anesthesia.
- Nurses will check your vital signs: blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate — and monitor your progress.
- You will receive an ice pack to the surgical joint at that time.
- Pain medications will be provided through your IV as needed while you are recovering.
- Once you begin tolerating liquids you may be transitioned to oral pain medication.
- If you are staying overnight in the hospital, you may be in recovery for approximately one hour before you are transferred to the hospital floor.
- If you are going home the day of surgery, you will be allowed to go home once you are tolerating liquids, able to ambulate and have performed physical therapy exercise safely.
