• You may be asked to have lab work, x-rays, an MRI and/or an EKG. If these tests were done at a facility other than Winchester Medical Center, please inform us where these were done so we may obtain the results.
• After your surgery, your physician may want you to utilize some type of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) such as a brace, sling or walking boot. You will be fitted for these items and taught how to use them.
• If you are having surgery on your leg or foot, please check with your surgeon to see if you need crutch training. Make sure to practice using crutches before surgery and bring them with you to the Surgi-Center. Make your home safe for crutches (i.e., rearrange furniture, move area rugs, etc.)
• You will be called the day before surgery with the time you will need to arrive for surgery and other specific instructions.
• Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours.
• Drink extra fluids the day before surgery.
• IMPORTANT: Do not EAT or DRINK anything after MIDNIGHT the night before your surgery. It is possible that your procedure would have to be canceled if these instructions are not followed.
• Please call our office immediately if you become ill or are otherwise unable to keep your surgery appointment.

Day of Surgery

• Take appropriate medications as instructed by your pre-op nurse with a small sip of water.
• Leave valuables and all jewelry at home.
• Bring insurance cards, a case for glasses or contacts, and prescriptions.
• An IV will be placed so medications can be given before, during, and after surgery.
• The anesthesiologist will discuss your health history and anesthesia options and risks.

• Prior to surgery at Winchester Medical Center, you will be scheduled for a pre-admission testing appointment. During this appointment, you may require lab work, x-rays, and an EKG. The hospital will then send the results to your surgeon’s office prior to surgery.
• You may be required to obtain Medical Clearance from your Primary Care Physician. Please schedule this appointment
• If you are scheduled for either a total hip replacement or total knee replacement, you will receive specific information to review. Winchester Medical Center offers total joint classes where the Physical Therapy Department and nursing staff are available to meet with you. Our office will provide you with a specific date and time to attend this class.
• You will be called the day before surgery with the time you will need to arrive for surgery and other specific instructions.
• IMPORTANT: Do not EAT or DRINK anything after MIDNIGHT the night before your surgery.

Day of Surgery

• Generally, you will be asked to arrive at the hospital two (2) hours prior to your scheduled surgery time. Please keep in mind road conditions during the winter months and plan appropriately.
• Upon arrival in a patient care area, you will be prepared for surgery and a physical assessment will be performed.
• You will be taken to a holding area. The anesthesiologist will discuss your health history and anesthesia options and risks. An IV may be placed so medications can be given before, during, and after surgery. Your operative site will be scrubbed.
• You will then be taken to an operating room.

• You will be taken to the recovery room after your surgery, where you will be monitored. Family will be allowed to visit when the nurse has finished transitioning you from surgery.
• The nurse will review specific instructions given by your surgeon with you and the responsible adult who is to accompany you home, then escort you to the car.
• The anesthesia will make you groggy and cause impaired judgment, therefore, do not drive, operate hazardous machinery, make any important decisions, or sign legal papers for 24 hours.
• Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours.
• Take pain medicine as directed. If none was prescribed, take a non-aspirin pain reliever (Tylenol or ibuprofen) as needed unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
• Eat light foods for the first few hours after surgery, then increase your diet as tolerated.
• Drink as much fluid as you can tolerate, up to 8 glasses/day.
• A small amount of blood on your dressing may be expected. If it becomes soaked, place additional dressings over the one already there and call your doctor.
• Call your physician if you experience a fever over 101°F, increased swelling, redness, or drainage.
• You will return to our office for your post-operative appointment generally 7-14 days after surgery; this appointment will be scheduled by our staff prior to surgery.
• Please contact our office at any time regarding questions or concerns

• You will be taken to the recovery room after your surgery, where you will be monitored for 1-2 hours. You will then be transferred to a room on the patient care unit to receive ongoing care and monitoring by the nursing staff for several days.
• Upon discharge from the hospital, you will be provided with specific instructions given by your surgeon. At that time you will be provided with a post-operative appointment here at Winchester Orthopaedic Associates.
• If you are planning to go home after discharge, arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after discharge from the hospital and have someone stay with you for 24 hours.
• If you are planning to go to a skilled nursing facility to receive post-operative care, you will be transferred directly to this facility upon discharge.
• Call your physician if you experience a fever over 101°F, increased swelling, redness, or drainage.
• Please contact our office at any time regarding questions or concerns