Surgery Info

Before Surgery

Please follow any special instructions your surgeon may have given you. Please follow the guidelines given to you by your clinical team regarding when to stop eating and drinking. If the patient is a child, it will be the responsible party’s role to ensure these rules are enforced. Do not smoke after midnight the evening before your procedure. Failure to follow these instructions may result in cancellation of your surgery.

A nurse from Dallas Joint and Spine Center (DJSC) will contact you prior to your surgery to review your health history, medications, and pre-operative instructions. Notify your Surgeon if there is a change in your physical condition such as a cold, fever or respiratory problems.

Please be sure to tell your Surgeon and the Nurse if you are on any type of blood thinners or aspirin. Please do not take any medications after midnight unless instructed by your Surgeon or the Nurse from DJSC.

It is extremely important to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.

It is extremely important to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.

Day of Surgery

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is big enough to accommodate a large bandage after surgery. Wear comfortable shoes, possibly something you can slip-on, no high heels.

You will need to change into a surgical gown.

Do not wear any jewelry (including body piercing), makeup or cologne. Do not bring any valuables with you.

Bring your driver’s license and all insurance cards with you. If you have to pay a copay, deductible, and/or coinsurance please bring some form of payment.

Wearing contact lenses is NOT advised. We provide containers for removable dentures and bridgework.

If your child is having surgery, feel free to bring a favorite stuffed animal or security blanket for added assurance.

Outside the surgery center entrance is a drop-off/pick-up area for the patient’s convenience. This will allow easy access to the reception area. Our staff will provide a private area to change clothes and prepare for surgery.

After Surgery

You will be discharged to your car by wheelchair. If anesthesia has been administered, you must have a responsible adult present to drive you home and to care for you following surgery.

Your physician will provide post-operative instructions regarding diet, rest, exercise and medications. You will be provided with a written summary of these discharge instructions. A nurse from the DJSC will attempt to call you the day after your surgery to check on your progress and discuss any questions you may have. If you have any unexpected problems, please call your Surgeons office. If he/she does not respond, please go to the nearest emergency room.prepare for surgery.