Inpatient Surgery (total knee and hip replacement or spine surgery):
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Approximately one month before your scheduled surgery, you will be invited to attend an educational class during which you will learn about what to expect before, during and after surgery. Questions regarding inpatient rehabilitation and other relevant topics will be fully addressed by an Orthopaedic trained representative. The class is titled “Joint Journey” and can be referenced here.
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Several days prior to surgery, you will be asked to come to the Hospital for a one-on-one educational session with the pre-op nurse and anesthesia representative. Laboratory tests and required clearances will also be reviewed and completed.
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The day before the scheduled surgery, a Hospital representative will call you with the scheduled surgical time and the time you should arrive at the Hospital. You will also be told to stop eating and drinking.
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On the day of your surgery, you will enter the Hospital through the Ambulatory Care Unit where you will complete the check-in process and final consents. At this time a sedative IV will be started.
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Holding Room: anesthesia will perform a nerve block (if ordered by your physician).
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Surgical Suite: the procedure will be performed.
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Recovery Room: nursing staff will closely monitor you as you wake up from the anesthesia.
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Nursing Unit: a bed assignment (if available) in the Orthopaedic Institute nursing unit located on the 4th floor will be completed while you are in the recovery room. All rooms on the unit are private and the unit also houses a separate rehabilitation gym and dining room.
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Post-Operative Day #1: depending on the nature of the surgery, and the projected length of stay established by your surgeon, a rehabilitation schedule including occupational and physical therapy will be customized to fit your individual needs. Specific goals will be established for your recovery and will include early ambulation and minimization of complications. A case manager will be assigned to you and will work closely with you to ensure a smooth and uncomplicated discharge from the Hospital.
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Discharge: prior to discharge, nursing representatives will review discharge instructions with you including physician follow-up appointments, resumption of various every day activities, initiation of post-Hospital physical therapy, etc. Based on your individual circumstances and condition, arrangements will be made for your discharge to your home (with home health support) or to an inpatient rehabilitation center.
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Follow-up Inquiries: several days after your surgery, you will be contacted by a member of the Hospital’s nursing team to make sure you are progressing satisfactorily with your recovery. Every effort will be made to provide you with an ongoing line of communication between you and the Hospital so that all of your questions and concerns can be fully addressed.