One Week Before Surgery

Preoperative Assessment
We need to know a lot of information about you before your procedure. Because of this, we ask that you call our Pre-Screening Nurse 5-7 days before your scheduled procedure for the pre-screening interview or to schedule a time for the nurse to call you.

Call our nurse at 402.637.0737 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

During this call, please have the following information available:

• Have preoperative physical complete as soon as possible if required.
  
• Make sure to get the doctor’s name and phone number so we can obtain testing results, including any specialty doctors.
  
• Have any Cardiopulmonary exams at least three days before surgery (only if primary care physician requests)
  
• Complete and accurate list of all medications you have been taking. Use the original bottle to obtain the exact name, dosage and frequency.
  
• Know your allergies/sensitivities and types of reactions.
  
• Know your health history and/or ongoing medical problems and surgical history.
  
• Know any Anesthesia issues with you or within your family.
  
• Know of any infection control issues (MRSA, Cdif, etc).

Medical History
Print out the Medical History form by clicking on the link below. The phone call with the nurse will be much easier and faster if you have organized your information prior to the call. It is CRITICAL that we have an accurate list of all medications, herbal, and over-the-counter prescriptions you take along with your medical, surgical, allergy, and family medical history.

Medical History Form

Medications
If you are on any type of blood thinning medications, your surgeon should have instructed you on when to stop taking these medications. Call the surgeon's office immediately if you are unsure of what to do. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen as these over-the-counter medications also affect your blood's ability to clot. Always consult your primary physician before stopping any medication.

Your blood's ability to clot must be normal prior to your surgery. The medications listed above prolong the time that it takes for clotting to occur.

Advance Directive
By law, we must ask every patient if they have an Advance Directive. If the answer is yes, we must have a copy in your chart. If you do not have an Advance Directive, it is always a good idea to have one written. This can help your family in making decisions about your care in the future. We have some information available for your consideration if you would like to learn more and proceed with an Advance Directive. Examples of Advance Directives are Living Wills and Power of Attorney for Healthcare.

Post Surgery Therapy
Our physical and occupational therapists will assess your need for adaptive equipment after your surgery. Some of the items that you might need are listed here. Some people are able to borrow these items to avoid purchase. If needed, you may also purchase these items at the hospital.

• Outpatient surgery on knees and ankles: crutches
• Hip and knee replacement: walker, shower chair, commode or toilet riser with arms, long handled shoehorn, sock assist device, and reacher (grabber)
• Spine surgery: long-handled shoehorn, sock assist device and reacher (grabber)

Clothing
Gather comfortable clothing for your hospital stay:

• Arm/wrist/shoulder surgery: All shirts must button up the front.
• Hip and knee replacement: Shorts, t-shirts, and athletic pants with the snaps on the side work very well. Bring three pairs of shorts and athletic pants. You will need slippers for sitting up in the chair and comfortable walking shoes to use during your physical therapy.
• Knee and ankle surgery: Athletic pants with the snaps on the side or loose fitting shorts and pants that can slip over a bulky dressing, assist device and reacher (grabber).
• Spine surgery: Loose fitting shorts and pants and shirts that button up the front.

Nails
Do not have a pedicure or manicure on the affected extremity the week before surgery. There is a possibility that small breaks in the skin and nails could occur which could potentially increase the risk of infection.

If you wear acrylic nails on the affected extremity, be sure to leave them on for your surgery. Again, there is a possibility that small breaks in the skin and nails could occur during the removal process which could potentially increase the risk of infection.

Remove all fingernail and toenail polish (including clear) prior to the day of surgery.

Children
Children are welcome in Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital only if someone other than the patient is able to stay with them in the main lobby.

Home Assistance

Joint Replacement Patients
You will need assistance for days/weeks after surgery depending on your level of mobility. Home health services may be ordered by your physician after your surgery. Our nurses will assist in coordinating this service.

Outpatients
You must have a responsible adult with you the first 24 hours that you are home. YOU CANNOT DRIVE HOME OR DRIVE FOR 24 HOURS AFTER SURGERY.

Overnight Guests
If you are an inpatient surgery patient, you may have one person stay overnight in your room if desired. All of our rooms are private with a love seat that pulls out to provide a sleeping bed. You are welcome to have someone stay with you overnight. If they prefer to stay at a hotel, please see visitor information for hotels.