Before Your Upcoming Surgery.

1. Preoperative evaluation by your Primary Care Physician (PCP)

To ensure the best possible result, medical evaluation by a PCP is needed before proceeding with surgery. An appointment with the PCP is usually made 4-6 weeks before surgery, unless you have some serious medical problems that need more time to correct. If you have any infection (teeth, bladder, prostate, kidney, uterus, etc.), it needs to be treated and cleared up before undergoing joint replacement surgery. Diseases such as diabetes and heart disease do not disqualify you from surgery, as long as they are under control. Some conditions may make the risk of joint replacement too great (chronic infection or a recent heart attack,blood clot, or stroke). The PCP will help you weigh the risks of surgery against your age and general health.

2. CT Scan

Most patients will need to have a CT scan prior to your surgery to facilitate use of the robot. Arrangements will be made through the office 1-3 weeks prior to surgery.

3. Medications to Stop Prior to Surgery

Unless otherwise instructed by your PCP or specialist stop:

7 days prior to surgery

Anti-inflammatory medications ( IE: Advil, Motrin, Aspirin and or Excedrin).

Naturopathic medicine or weight loss medications such as Metabolife or Arnica

Fish oil, vitamin E Oil (oral), and mulit-vitamins

24 hours prior to surgery

Ace Inhibitors (ACE’s: IE. Lisinopril, captopril) and Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB’s: IE. losartan, valsartan) blood pressure medication will need to be stopped 24 hours prior to surgery.

You can continue taking the following medications up until the day before surgery:

• Tylenol
• Tramadol (Ultram)
• Glucosamine Chondroitin
• Iron Supplements
• B vitamins
• Vitamin C, D, A

If you are on any prescription blood thinners, please contact the prescribing physician to find out when to discontinue these medications.

4. Preparing your home:

When you return home from the hospital, you will be using a walker for balance. These small preparations can make the transition home smoother:

• Ensure hallways and rooms are free of clutter and tripping hazards such as cords and small rugs.
• Organize your living areas to avoid excessive lifting, bending or reaching.
• Store heavy and frequently-used objects at or above waist level (counter height).
• Consider moving items in the lower parts of the fridge/freezer to a higher shelf.
• Set up a firm chair with armrests.
• Arrange for extra help with household tasks if needed.
• Keep an ice pack in your freezer for possible joint swelling after surgery.
• If you have pets you may want to arrange for someone to assist you in caring for them for a few days after you return home.
• In order to stay well hydrated after surgery pick up some alternatives to water; for example gatorade, juice, or vitamin water.

5. Stop smoking 6 weeks prior to surgery.
6. Avoid injections into your surgical joint 3 months prior to surgery.
7. Arrange for a family member or friend to accompany you on surgery day.
8. While taking narcotic pain medication you will NOT be permitted to drive. These medications include Percocet (Oxycodone) and Norco/Vicodin (Hydrocodone). You may need to arrange transportation for your initial post operative appointment.
9. Your follow up appointment will be 5-12 days after surgery. The appointment is made for you when you schedule surgery. If you were not given an appointment please contact 623-220-0293 to schedule one.
10. Pick up prescriptions from your pharmacy 1-2 days prior to surgery
11. From now until the day of surgery, a proper diet will optimize your body for surgery. Make sure to increase your protein intake. You may use supplemental protein drinks. Avoid any processed foods and sugars.
12. NOTHING to eat after midnight the night before surgery. (You may have water, tea, or black coffee only (NO added sweeteners or creamers), up until 4 hours before your scheduled surgery time.