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Before Your Surgery
Before Your Surgery
Your Peace of Mind Is Our Top Priority
At Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin, your comfort and confidence in our care is our highest priority. Whether you’re having surgery, a procedure, or physical therapy, you should focus on feeling better—let us handle the rest. We provide a calming environment where your recovery begins with care and attention to detail. Our award-winning team guides you through every step of your treatment with an uncommon focus on you.
What Sets Us Apart
- We provide ample time for you to ask questions and share concerns with your anesthesiologist, surgeon, and nurses.
- We begin working with you well before your surgery to ensure you feel confident about every aspect of your procedure, from anesthesia to post-surgery comfort measures.
- You'll have an opportunity to meet with your surgical team prior to surgery—another way we put your mind at ease.
Pre-Surgery Instructions: Day Surgery
One to Four Weeks Before Surgery
- Our dedicated nursing staff will call to help you complete a brief questionnaire over the phone. This provides us with your medical history and contact information for your other doctors and pharmacy.
- Depending on your medical history and procedure, you may need an appointment with our pre-operative team to review your medical history and identify any considerations for your care.
Two Days Before Surgery
(depending on your procedure)
- Follow Hibiclens Instructions, if indicated:
- Place clean sheets on your bed
- Wash your hair with your normal shampoo; wash your face and private area with your normal soap
- Do not shave any body hair
- Rinse hair and skin thoroughly
- Turn off the water or step away from the running water
- Apply Hibiclens (CHG) soap to your entire body from the neck down
- Do not apply directly to your eyes or private area
- Wash your body gently for 2 minutes, paying close attention to the surgical area. Then rinse thoroughly
- Pat yourself dry with a clean towel
- Do NOT apply any products to your skin or hair (lotions, oils, gels, sprays). Many products will deactivate and prevent Hibiclens from working
Day Before Surgery
- Repeat the skin preparation and cleansing steps outlined above
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight, including food, candy, and gum unless otherwise instructed. Not following these instructions may cause your procedure to be canceled.
Day of Surgery
On surgery day, please remember:
- Bring your insurance card and photo ID, as well as any forms given to you by your doctor
- Bring X-rays or devices (braces, splints, crutches, walker, etc.) given to you by your doctor. Leave all valuables at home
- Do not eat or drink anything on the day of your surgery including food, candy, and gum unless otherwise instructed. Not following these instructions may cause your procedure to be canceled
- If the pre-admission nurse advises you to take routine medications prior to surgery, take them with only a sip of water
- If you require anesthesia for your surgery, you must have a friend or family member accompany you from the hospital. Please arrange transportation prior to surgery day. We recommend having someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery
- Remove all hairpins, makeup, jewelry, and false eyelashes prior to surgery. Based on your procedure, artificial nails and nail polish may need to be removed
- Wear loose-fitting clothing on surgery day
Pre-Surgery Instructions: Overnight Stay
Four to Six Weeks Before Surgery
- You'll attend a pre-surgical education session. We encourage you to bring a family member or friend who will be helping you through your surgery process. This collaborative approach ensures you're fully prepared for every step of your surgery and recovery.
Two Days Before Surgery
(depending on your procedure)
- Follow Hibiclens Instructions, if indicated:
- Place clean sheets on your bed
- Wash your hair with your normal shampoo; wash your face and private area with your normal soap
- Do not shave any body hair
- Rinse hair and skin thoroughly
- Turn off the water or step away from the running water
- Apply Hibiclens (CHG) soap to your entire body from the neck down
- Do not apply directly to your eyes or private area
- Wash your body gently for 2 minutes, paying close attention to the surgical area. Then rinse thoroughly
- Pat yourself dry with a clean towel
- Do NOT apply any products to your skin or hair (lotions, oils, gels, sprays). Many products will deactivate and prevent Hibiclens from working
Day Before Surgery
- Repeat the skin preparation and cleansing steps outlined above
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight, including food, candy, and gum unless otherwise instructed. Not following these instructions may cause your procedure to be canceled.
Day of Surgery
On surgery day, please remember:
- Bring your insurance card and photo ID, as well as any forms given to you by your doctor
- Bring all prescription medications or devices (braces, splints, crutches, walker, etc.). Leave all valuables at home
- Do not eat or drink anything on the day of your surgery including food, candy, and gum unless otherwise instructed. Not following these instructions may cause your procedure to be canceled
- Refer to your Stop & Go Medication sheet to determine which medications you should take
- Remove all hairpins, makeup, jewelry, and false eyelashes prior to surgery. Based on your procedure, artificial nails and nail polish may need to be removed
- Wear loose-fitting clothing on surgery day
TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARDS BETTER MOBILITY
SAY GOODBYE TO PAIN,
HELLO TO POSSIBILITIES
Testimonials
Discover What Our Patients
Have to say
Discover What Our Patients Have to say
Excellent Service
Excellent professional service from admitting receptionist, receiving nursing staff, room nurse made sure I was comfortable while waiting for my procedure to began.
-Mary G.
Great Experience
I had a great experience with the staff during my surgery. Everyone was very caring and compassionate, making sure I felt comfortable throughout the entire process.
-Connie S.
Very Compassionate
Most positive experience I have ever had with a hospital visit. From the very beginning to the discharge everyone was a super star explaining everything to being very compassionate and caring.