Day of Surgery

REGISTRATION

You will arrive at surgery registration at a specific time that is given to you. This time may be given to you as late as the evening before your surgery.

PREOPERATIVE AREA

In the preoperative area a nurse will verify your identity and confirm your surgery. You will also see the anesthesiologist at this time and discuss the type of anesthesia you will receive.

SURGERY

Your surgeon and the operating room team will work together to complete your surgery. Each surgery is unique to address the specific need of each patient. Total joint replacement surgery can take anywhere from one to two hours.

RECOVERY AREA

• If you are staying overnight in the hospital: After surgery you will be taken to the recovery area, where you will awake from anesthesia. Your family will be notified when you arrive in the recovery area. When you are fully awake, the clinical team will ensure that you are alert, feeling well and comfortable (this usually takes one to two hours). Once you’re fully recovered, you will be transferred from the recovery area to your hospital room where you will be cared for by the orthopedic specialty team.

• If you are going home after surgery: After surgery you will be taken to the recovery area, where you will awake from anesthesia. When you are fully awake and recovered, the clinical team will ensure that you are alert, comfortable and safe to be discharged to your home (this usually takes one to two hours). A physical therapist will evaluate you to determine that you are safe to walk with a walker and can care for yourself with the help of your support person. The nursing team will review your discharge instructions and answer any questions you may have.