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Before Surgery Instructions

One Week Prior to Surgery

To prepare for your upcoming surgery, you should confirm with our office that you have completed all required pre-operative testing and that we have received the results of such testing. In addition, one week prior to your scheduled surgery, you should stop taking all Aspirin, Baby Aspirin, Coumadin, NSAIDS (Aleve, Advil, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Meloxicam), vitamins and herbal supplements. If you need to take a pain reliever Tylenol is permitted. If you have any questions regarding medications you are currently taking, please ask Dr. Khavari.

Day Before Surgery

If you are undergoing anesthesia, remember you may not have anything to eat or drink for 8 hours prior to your surgery. As a general rule, we advise patients not to eat or drink past midnight. Remember to arrive at the surgical center one and a half hours before your scheduled surgery time. When preparing for arrival, remember to wear lose fitting clothes and to leave valuables such as jewelry at home. Please call our office before the scheduled day of surgery if you are experiencing an illness, vomiting or have symptoms such as a sore throat or runny nose. Depending on the severity, Dr. Khavari or the anesthesiologist may recommend postponing surgery.

Day of Surgery

When you arrive at the pre-operative area, you will be welcomed by one of our operating room nurses that will make you comfortable. Dr. Khavari will greet you and your family to answer any last-minute questions you may have regarding your surgery. Our anesthesiologist will ask some questions regarding your general health and any family history of reactions to anesthesia. He or she will explain the planned anesthetic procedure and obtain your consent. This is a great time to ask any questions or express any concerns you regarding the anesthesia process.

After Surgery Instructions

After Surgery

Once the surgery is finished, you will be transferred to the recovery room. Recovery from general anesthesia is generally quick (30-60 minutes). Once you have been transferred out of recovery, Dr. Khavari will then meet with you and your family to discuss your surgery and discharge instructions.

Controlling Your Discomfort

  • Take your pain medicine every 4-6 hours (as instructed) for the first day or two
  • Gradually wean yourself from prescription medication to Tylenol. You may take two extra-strength Tylenol in place of your prescription medication up to four times per day.
  • Change your position every 45 minutes throughout the day.
  • Use ice to assist in pain control. Do not use more than 20 minutes at a time each hour.
  • If swelling in the operative leg is bothersome, elevate the leg for short periods of time throughout the day. After surgery, it is very normal for the extremity to swell. Elevation is a great way to reduce this swelling since all fluids tend to move to seek the lowest force of gravity. This means your legs have to be higher than your heart.  You should elevate your leg at least three times a day for 30 to 45 minutes while awake. Elevation is also recommended during most of the night for the first 2 weeks after surgery. Some patients require more, but this is a bare minimum.

When To Call

  • Sudden chest pain
  • Difficult and/or rapid breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Excessive sweating
  • Confusion
  • Two readings of temperature over 101
  • Pain not controlled with other measures such as elevation and icing
  • Excessive swelling causes extreme tightness and pain
  • Sudden change in color, although minor color changes are normal

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