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.