Preparing for surgery
Successful surgery is always a cooperative effort between you, the orthopaedic surgeon, and the people who help you recover from surgery. You have a very important role in preparing for your hip resurfacing surgery. As the patient, it is important to follow the directions given by your orthopaedic surgeon. Prior to surgery be sure to ask about all of the following:
Pre-operative procedure
Your initial surgical consultation may include pre-operative X-rays, a complete medical and surgical history, physical examination and a review of medications and allergies. During this visit, your orthopaedic surgeon will likely review your hip resurfacing procedure and answer any questions. For more on this, refer to our patient document; print it out and bring it along to visits with your doctor.
Your orthopaedic surgeon may require that you have a complete physical examination by your internist or family physician as you will need to be cleared medically before undergoing this procedure. Your surgeon may suggest that you consider donating your own blood to save in case you need it during surgery or in the event of a post-operative blood transfusion.
In addition, your orthopaedic surgeon may ask you to consult a physical therapist to discuss recovery, a hip rehabilitation program and important precautions you must take after your surgery. The physical therapist may also give you instruction on exercises you can begin prior to your surgery in order to aid with recovery.
Finally, your orthopaedic surgeon and the hospital may require you to visit the admissions department prior to surgery to pre-certify your hip resurfacing procedure with your insurance company.
Getting your house ready before your surgery
To make life and recovery as easy as possible for you and your family after surgery, there are a few easy things you can do. For starters, arrange furniture and household items so that you can get to them easily once you arrive home. A few suggestions:
- Remove all throw rugs or anything else that could cause you to trip
- Move phone and electrical cords out of the way
- Move personal items to shelves or tables that are above waist level. You should not be bending past 90 degrees in rehabilitation.
Help at home
Various sources are available when it comes to planning for your care at your home. Ask your doctor about resources for extended care facilities, home health care and other alternative living services. If your discharge plan includes time in an extended care facility, plan to visit the facilities in your area to find one that best suits your needs.
Preparation for the hospital
Here are a few things to keep in mind while packing and preparing for the hospital.
Clothing:
Getting dressed in the morning helps you feel better, so be sure to bring comfortable clothing to the hospital.
- Loose pants or shorts
- Loose tops or T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Short robe or pajamas
- Toiletries
Shoes:
It is vital to bring the right shoes to the hospital. You may want to buy a new pair of shoes so that your walking is not influenced by the wear patterns on your old shoes (inspect the soles of your shoes for these patterns). When deciding what shoes to bring, consider the following:
- The foot on your operated leg may be swollen after surgery. Bring a shoe that accommodates that increased size. The shoe can be slip-on or laced.
- Choose a shoe with a low heel of less than one inch. Gym shoes and walking shoes are fine.
Days before surgery
Sleep and a good diet are essential to helping your surgery go as smoothly as possible. Make sure you get plenty of both. Your doctor should also provide you with instructions about the use of medication prior to surgery. Generally, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications should not be taken seven days prior to surgery.
The night before surgery you may not eat or drink after midnight. If medication is to be taken, you may have a few sips of water, if needed. On the morning of surgery, you may brush your teeth and rinse your mouth, but do not swallow any water.
Day of surgery
Once you are admitted to the hospital you will be taken to the appropriate pre-surgical area where the nursing staff will take your vital signs, start intravenous (IV) fluids and administer medications as needed.
Just prior to surgery, you will be asked to empty your bladder. It’s also necessary to remove all jewelry, contacts, glasses, dentures and even nail polish. Then you’ll change into a hospital gown, be placed on a stretcher and be transported to the operating room area. The anesthesiologist will meet you there and review the medications and procedures to be used during surgery. An IV will be inserted and final preparations for your surgery are made.
