The Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin specializes in the care of people with orthopaedic related conditions and injuries. Our doctors and clinical and support staff possess the expertise and caring attitude required to provide the personal, high quality care that you deserve.

The following information describes what you can expect both before and after surgery. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your physician's office or the Orthopaedic Hospital at 961-6767. We want your visit with us to be as comfortable and efficient as possible.

Before Arrival

One to two weeks prior to your surgery, a registered nurse will telephone you to review your medical history and discuss any special needs that you may have. You may be required to undergo pre admission testing such as a laboratory test or an EKG before the day of surgery. The nurse will explain what you may expect during surgery and will answer any questions you may have. If you have not spoken with a nurse from the Orthopaedic Hospital at least four days prior to surgery, please call the Surgical Services Department at (414) 961-6767, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.

Pre admission Checklist

In addition to the Fasting Requirements, please follow these instructions before your surgery.

• Do not smoke for 48 hours before surgery.
• Wear casual, loose fitting clothing.
• Remove all makeup.
• Leave jewelry, money, and other valuables at home.
• Notify your doctor if you experience any cold symptoms, fever, or other illnesses.
• Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the Hospital on the day of surgery.
• Arrange support (family or friends) at your home after you are discharged.
• If you are told that you may be remaining in the Hospital overnight, please bring clothing, personal items, and all prescription medications (in original containers).

On Your Surgical Day

On the day of your surgery, come directly to the Surgical Services Department located on the third floor of the Hospital. Please bring any papers and X rays given to you by your doctor, and your insurance card.

You will be asked to arrive 1 1/2 hours before your surgery to provide time to review with you your records and procedure and answer any questions that you may have.

Surgeries preceding your procedure may take longer or shorter than expected and thus, your surgery "start" time may vary from the scheduled time. If this occurs, we will keep you informed.

Family and friends may wait in our reception area and can be with you before surgery in your pre-operative room and following surgery in Stage II Recovery or your inpatient room if you are staying overnight.

After Surgery

There may be one or two stages of recovery, depending upon your anesthesia.

Most patients feel ready to go home after an hour in Stage II Recovery. You will receive specific instructions for your care at home. If you are staying overnight, or for an extended recovery period, family and friends may join you when you are settled in your room.

It is important that you arrange for someone to provide your transportation and assist with your care at home when you leave the Hospital. As a patient, you are not allowed to drive yourself home. You may be given medications during and/or after your surgery that may impair your judgment for some time.

Get plenty of rest after surgery. If you receive general anesthesia, you may feel drowsy and weak. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and, if any problems arise, call immediately.

A member of the Hospital's nursing staff will phone you at home on the business day after surgery or discharge to check on your progress. The nurse will be glad to answer any questions you may have. (If you prefer that a call not be made or that a message not be left on an answering machine, please tell your nurse when he/she discusses this with you.)

The Hospital's professional staff, its state of the art equipment and warm, comfortable atmosphere will provide you with the personalized attention you deserve. We are dedicated to your health, safety and satisfaction. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at (414) 961 6767, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.

Fasting Requirements Before Surgery

Our goal is to provide every patient with a comfortable experience throughout the surgical procedure and recovery. Your safety is of our utmost concern. While we understand that it can be difficult to fast prior to surgery, it is very important for your safety that you have an empty stomach during your anesthetic. For this reason, we have certain requirements for fasting before surgery that must be followed. Your surgery may be cancelled if you do not follow the directions.

FOR SURGERY SCHEDULED TO BEGIN BEFORE NOON

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
• You may take the medicines we have instructed you to take the morning of surgery with a SIP of WATER ONLY
• Clear liquids are not allowed

FOR SURGERY SCHEDULED TO BEGIN BETWEEN NOON AND 2 PM

• You may take the medicines we have instructed you to take with a sip of water
• You may have authorized clear liquids ONLY (*see list) until 8 AM
• After 8 AM, do not eat or drink anything besides your medicines with a SIP of WATER ONLY

FOR SURGERY SCHEDULED TO BEGIN AT 2 PM OR AFTER

• You may have a breakfast of DRY toast or cereal with FAT FREE milk to be eaten by 6 AM
• After 6 AM you may have authorized clear liquids ONLY (*see list) until 10 AM
• After 10 AM, do not eat or drink anything except you may have your medicines as instructed with a SIP of WATER ONLY

*AUTHORIZED CLEAR LIQUIDS (applies only for surgery scheduled after Noon)

• Water
• Clear juice that you can see through (No Pulp or cloudy juice) Cranberry, Apple (not apple cider), Grape
• Soda Pop
• Black coffee or plain tea (no sugar, milk/creamer, sugar/creamer substitutes)

NOTE: Children under age 3 to follow the same guidelines as above with one exception related to authorized clear liquids. Authorized clear liquids are allowed for children under 3 years old 2-3 hours prior to surgery.