Pre-Operative History and Physcial Examination
Your surgeon will schedule an appointment for you to see him at his/her office sometime prior to your surgery for a pre-operative history and physical examination and for you to sign a consent form for your surgery. At this time, you will have the opportunity to ask him any questions you may have regarding your surgery.

Anesthesia

There are two types of anesthesia: 
 

• General
• Regional - Epidural, Spinal

The preferred method of anesthesia is a regional spinal. The advantages of receiving a spinal are: 
 

• Decreased sedation
• Decreased bleeding
• Decreased blood clots
• Decreased nausea
• Decreased dry mouth and "scratchy throat"

Receive sedation prior to regional or spinal anesthesia so most people do not remember the events of the surgical preparation or surgery itself.

Modern technology, improved needles and technique make spinal anesthesia easier and more comfortable than in past. The headache experienced in the past from spinal anesthesia is rare due to improved needle tips, which do not tear the dura covering.

Both types of anesthesia are safe and have similar risks. You will speak with an anesthesiologist before your surgery and ultimately he/she will determine the safest type for you.


Additional Details
Dress Code While in the Hospital — Patient gowns are for surgery and bedtime. We encourage casual attire for all patients. This can include dresses, shorts, culottes, cut-offs and tops for women; and cut-off walking shorts and shirts for men. Appropriate footwear includes sneakers or a flat rubber-sole supportive shoe. No slippers, please.

While in the hospital you will receive information about your stay and answer basic questions you may have regarding the Center for Joint Success. Look for the Family Mail folder in your room for addtional details.


YOU WILL RECEIVE A LETTER FROM SANFORD USD MEDICAL CENTER AND YOUR SURGEON’S OFFICE REGARDING THE ABOVE APPOINTMENT DATES AND TIMES.

The Joint Team looks forward to helping you throughout the joint program. If you have any questions regarding this information, please feel free to call the Case Manager, or call the surgery scheduling coordinator at your surgeon’s office.