Patient Resources
Before Your Surgery
Your Peace of Mind Is Our Top Priority
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 Surgery
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
- 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
During Your Stay
Your Surgery Recovery
Your comfort and healing are our top priorities, whether you’re with us for a few hours or a few days. We’ve carefully planned every aspect of your recovery to ensure you have the best possible experience.
After Your Surgery
After your procedure, you’ll be brought to a comfortable recovery room where a dedicated team monitors your progress. We continually assess your comfort and take every step to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible. Depending on your surgery, you may go home after your recovery period or stay overnight.
Healing Starts Immediately
Healing begins the moment your surgery ends, and we’re committed to supporting your recovery every step of the way.
- You'll be encouraged to move around after surgery to help minimize swelling and prevent blood clots
- Once you're up, our team works with you to maximize your comfort and help you toward a full and speedy recovery
- Our experienced physical and occupational therapists guide you through personalized exercise programs using the latest protocols, techniques, and equipment
24/7 Comfort Care
During your hospital stay, you receive the most attentive and healing care in a modern and comforting setting.
You can count on us for:
- Outstanding meal service featuring award-winning food
- A 24-hour care team, including a dedicated hospitalist physician who understands your health history and monitors your progress
- An excellent nurse-to-patient ratio, ensuring you receive personalized care
Discharge Instructions
Your Discharge Plan
At Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin, we begin planning for your discharge the moment you decide to have surgery. Our goal is to ensure you have a safe environment for recovery and clear understanding of your self-care.
Before Your Surgery
You’ll discuss any discharge needs or concerns with our specially-trained pre-operative clinic staff. We encourage you to involve a family member or friend in these discussions so they can help with your care after surgery.
After Your Surgery
When it’s time to leave the hospital, you’ll receive a personalized care plan with detailed instructions on:
- Pain management
- Activity levels and any restrictions
- Surgical site care
Please come prepared with any questions. We’re here to make your discharge as smooth as possible. If you have questions after leaving the hospital that aren’t addressed in your discharge paperwork, please contact us:
Call 414-961-6862 (24/7) if you stayed overnight at OHOW after your surgery
Call 414-961-6771 if you had day surgery. If calling before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m., please contact your surgeon directly
Patient Discharge Instruction Videos
Watch our patient discharge video instructions here. Case Management
Should you need assistance planning your care after surgery, a dedicated case manager is available to help. Our case managers work closely with your entire care team to develop a personalized plan that best meets your needs. They leverage their expertise to connect you with appropriate resources for a smooth discharge.
We encourage you to actively participate in your discharge planning. Be sure to discuss your needs with your doctor.
Outpatient Physical Therapy
If your doctor orders outpatient physical therapy after your surgery, we recommend scheduling your appointments before your procedure.
To prepare:
- When scheduling outpatient therapy at OHOW, our specially trained staff will call to verify your insurance coverage and thoroughly explain your benefits before starting therapy
- Consider one of Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin’s several physical therapy clinic locations for your outpatient physical therapy needs
Additional Resources
Recognize Our Staff
At Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin, our dedicated staff works tirelessly to ensure your satisfaction throughout your entire experience. Our team members consistently go above and beyond before, during, and after your surgery to create “The OHOW Difference”—a higher standard of care that sets us apart.
We invite you to help us celebrate our staff for their outstanding work by nominating them for an award:
DAISY Award: This award recognizes the extraordinary compassionate and skillful care provided by our nurses every day
High Five Award: Our internal award program celebrates the dedicated work of all other staff members
Click the links below to learn more and nominate a staff member: