Guidelines for Surgery Preparation
& Recovery at Stanislaus Orthopedics
Though Stanislaus Orthopedics’ surgeons and specialists believe in offering a conservative approach to
treatment, sometimes surgery is necessary to offer you the best outcome. Should your doctor recommend
surgery, you should understand that you will be cared for in a highly specialized orthopedic surgical
facility, whose surgeons and specialists are among the most highly trained and qualified in the region.
Pre Surgical Preparation
A member of the Hospital or ASC (Ambulatory Surgery Center) team will contact you the day
before your surgery to confirm the time of your surgery OR your surgeon’s assistant will contact
you regarding arrival time to the hospital (depending on surgical facility). At that time, they will
also review any special instructions you will need to follow in preparation for your surgery. No
aspirin products or anti-inflammatory medications two weeks prior to procedure; Tylenol
products are okay.
** You should inform your physician’s office of any and all mediations you are currently taking. If
you are currently taking any blood-thinning medications, please speak to your physician prior to
stopping these medications. The hospital or facility will instruct you on what medications are
acceptable to take the morning of surgery; i.e. blood pressure medications, etc.
Day of Surgery
Your arrival time will be at least one or two hours prior to your actual surgery time. This is
because of necessary tasks, including registration, preparation, anesthesia, etc. Please note that
surgery may be delayed or even canceled due to emergencies.
Food & Drink:
We recommend eating a light dinner and drinking fluids the evening before your surgery.
To avoid complications and/or your surgery being cancelled, please do not consume liquid or food
after midnight the evening prior to your surgery date—this includes gum and mints. You are
prohibited to smoke cigarettes and/or use any Tobacco products 24 hours prior to your
procedure as this may cause extreme complications. Additionally, we recommend that you do not
consume alcohol for at least 48 hours prior to surgery.
Post Operative Appointment:
Please be sure you have a post operative appointment made prior to your surgery so you are best
prepared for after your procedure as well as follow any and all instructions given by your
physician to ensure the greatest recovery. Each surgery differs regarding amount of time needed
between the procedure and your surgery; the medical assistant and/or physician will inform you
of what recovery time is best suited for your particular treatment plan.