Preparing for Surgery

Medications

Postoperative Medications:

Medication will be prescribed and sent to your pharmacy prior to your surgery. If at all possible, it is highly recommended you pick these up BEFORE surgery, that way you don’t have to worry about anything after the procedure.  This also avoids any potential issue with your pharmacy being closed after your procedure is over.

Postoperative medication may differ slightly between patients, but typically you’re prescribed an anticoagulant to prevent blood clots (aspirin), Tylenol and meloxicam (anti-inflammatory medication) to control your baseline pain, tramadol which is a lower level narcotic for breakthrough pain, an oxycodone for pain that cannot be controlled with the other medications.  You will also be given a stool softener for and Constipation which can occur narcotic usage.  The goal of this multimodal approach is to control your pain while limiting the use of narcotic medication.

Medications to Discontinue:

Certain medications should be stopped prior to surgery to minimize risk to you.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), like ibuprofen/naproxen should be stopped 7 days prior to surgery.
• If you are on an injectable form of one of the following medications, it should be stopped 7 days prior to surgery. These include Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity, Bydureon, BCise and Mounjaro
• If you are on an oral or injectable form of one of the following medications daily, you should Stop 2 days prior to your procedure: Rybelsus, Victoza, Saxenda, Byetta
• Follow the instruction of your primary care provider or whomever you needed preoperative clearance from regarding when to stop blood thinners.

---

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is critical to your recovery after surgery. Without physical therapy, is unlikely you will regain your strength and range of motion after the procedure, which can negatively affect your long-term outcome.

You will be provided with a physical therapy referral prior to your surgery. This may not include your specific postoperative instructions for physical therapy, as these might change based on the findings at the time of your surgery, but you can still use this referral to schedule your physical therapy to begin shortly after your surgery date.  As physical therapy clinics can fill up quickly, it is recommended you call to schedule as soon as possible.  You should start your therapy between 1-3 days postoperatively.

If you are undergoing a procedure that requires the use of crutches, you may find it beneficial to have one physical therapy session prior to your surgery to learn how to properly use crutches at home and on stairs, particularly if you have not used crutches before.

---

Preparing for Your Surgery

The time leading up to your surgery can be very stressful. Dr Kaplan and his team we’ll do everything they can to make this process stress-free and easy as possible.

Here are a few important considerations leading up to your surgery to remember to ensure you are adequately prepared:

1. Preoperative Clearance: this is required for your health and safety. As our patient, your health is always our top priority and we want to ensure we’ve optimized your condition prior surgery. Therefore, we require all preoperative clearance documents discussed with you be received at least seven days prior to surgery, when possible.  Pre-operative Clearance can be obtained either through NYU or your personal primary care provider.  If you have any questions about this please contact Natasha Weekes @ ***
2. Schedule your postoperative physical therapy
3. Pick up your post-operative medications
4. Schedule your first postoperative visit if it is not already done. Please contact Natasha for this.
5. Arrange for a ride home from surgery: Because you will be treated with anesthesia, you will need someone to accompany you home. You do not need anyone to accompany on your way to surgery however.

---

On the Day Of Surgery

Please arrive on time to the surgery center.  If you arrive late, than can affect multiple other patients.

Instructions:

1. Do NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING after midnight before your surgical date.
2. Do not drink alcohol or use recreational drugs for the 24 hours prior to surgery and for at least 24 hours following
3. If you use an inhaler on a regular basis, please bring it with you to your procedure
4. Please take prescribed medications (such as for high blood pressure or irregular heart beat), but be sure to tell your anesthesiologist.

Please bring the following items:

1. Legal picture identification (like a driver’s license)
2. Insurance card
3. Medication list if not previously provided

Please do NOT bring:

1. Jewelry and piercings
2. Valuables
3. Remove acrylic nails

---

What to Expect on the Day of Surgery

Once you have completed registration, you will be escorted to the surgical center. Here you will meet the nurses that will take your vitals, help you change into a hospital gown, and then escort you to the pre-operative holding area. One family member may accompany you (or both parents if the patient is a minor) to the holding area. You will then see a Physician Assistant who will answer any last minute questions and speak with the anesthesia team regarding the procedure. Dr. Chahla or one of his Physician Assistants will contact your family when your surgery is completed and you are on your way to recovery. Once the nursing staff feels that you are ready to be transported to your room, your family will be contacted with that room number where they will meet you.

---

Discharge Instructions

Your instructions will be reviewed with you and whomever is accompanying you following surgery. A folder will be given to you with specific postoperative instructions and a physical therapy rehabilitation protocol based on your specific surgery.