Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I not allowed to eat or drink prior to my procedure?

Eating and/or drinking prior to your procedure poses a risk when being placed under anesthesia. This can lead to serious complications such as aspiration and potentially pneumonia. Please follow instructions given to you as this is strictly for your safety and well-being.

What should I do if I am not feeling well?

If you are feeling unwell during the days leading up to your scheduled procedure or day of, please contact your physician’s office as soon as possible. We are happy to work with you to reschedule to ensure you are in good health and fit for your procedure. Symptoms such as runny nose, cough, fever, etc. should be clearly communicated with your physician and healthcare provider.

What should I do if I think I might be pregnant?

If you are or believe you might be pregnant, please communicate this information with your surgeon. If you are of child-bearing age, we will perform a pregnancy test the day of your surgery.

Why is it so cold?

The cold air inhibits the spread of bacteria thus making it a safer surgical environment. Also, the surgical lights in the rooms can cause the room to heat up very quickly which can lead to the surgeon and additional staff to get overheated under their surgery gear.

Will I see the doctor prior to my surgery?

Absolutely. Prior to surgery, you will meet with the entire team – including your surgeon and anesthesiologist – to give you the opportunity to address any questions or concerns.

Why do I have to arrive so early?

You are asked to arrive earlier than your surgery time to complete any admission paper, allow for surgery preparation with the Nursing staff, and to meet with your surgical team prior to surgery to answer any questions you may have.

What can I expect after my surgery?

After your procedure, you will be taken to the Recovery area. Here you may experience drowsiness and will be waking up after receiving anesthesia medication. Once cleared by your nurse and anesthesiologist, we will get you a snack and something to drink. Before discharge, we will ensure you are comfortable with a tolerable pain level, controlled nausea, and you are steady on your feet using a walker or crutches if applicable.

Are Family and Friends allowed to accompany me?

Yes, but please limit the number of family or friends who come with you due to limited seating.

Should I bring anything with me for support?

Yes, if you are traveling more than 30 minutes, put one or two pillows in your car so you can elevate the operative extremity.

Will I need to provide a urine sample?

Yes, all female patients will need to give a urine sample for a pregnancy test pre-operatively unless they meet the exclusionary criteria.

If you or your family need the services of a foreign-language or hearing-impaired interpreter, please call to arrange for one at no cost to you prior to the day of surgery.