Pre-Operative Instructions (Elbow)
OUTPATIENT SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS
TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO SURGERY:
- Stop all aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications (i.e. Naprosyn, Feldene, Motrin, etc.) for two weeks prior to surgery. Rheumatoid patients should stop taking methotrexate.
ONE WEEK PRIOR TO SURGERY:
- Call your insurance company to make sure that you do not need a second opinion, to check benefits, and to pre-authorize your surgery etc.
- Call the hospital or surgery center where your surgery is scheduled to pre-register.
- Please arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to stay one night with you when you return home.
ONE DAY PRIOR TO SURGERY:
- Remove nail polish from your toes.
- DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT. This includes coffee, water, chewing gum, Certs, etc. This is for your protection.
DAY OF SURGERY:
- Do not bring any valuables.
- Take any routine medications with a small sip of water. If you are a diabetic, do not take any medication; however, please bring your medication with you.
- If you have crutches or a brace, bring them with you; otherwise, all supplies you need for postoperative care will be issued to you at the time of discharge including crutches and walkers.
- Sign in at the time stated.
You will be taken into the surgical admission area. In the admission area you will:
- Change into a surgical gown.
- Be interviewed by a registered nurse.
- Be interviewed by the anesthesiologist.
- Receive instructions from a physical therapist on exercises and crutch or walker training (patient’s preference), if necessary.
- Be interviewed by an operating room nurse.
- Dr. Lintner will see you and answer any additional questions you may have.
After the surgery you will be in the recovery room for approximately one hour. If you are an outpatient, you will go to the observation area. Your family or friends may come to see you at this time. Outpatients will be discharged when you are able to get out of bed, eat, drink, and go to the bathroom.
Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain pills.
If you have any questions, please call Dawna in Dr. Lintner’s office at 713-441-3560.