FAQS:
Before Surgery Hand, Wrist and Elbow
Medical Tests
All patients are required to have urinalysis and standard blood
tests within two weeks of surgery. Patients over fifty years old
will need a chest x-ray and an electrogram. It is strongly recommended
that these tests be performed at the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases
as part of a preoperative meeting with the Department of Anesthesia.
At this same visit patients will have a physical examination. If
medical problems are found further tests or studies may be necessary.
Patients with known medical problems and all patients over fifty
will require a medical clearance from their own physician. Some
patients may need medical follow-up in addition to their regular
surgical care during their hospitalization. Whenever necessary or
desired, patients are followed in consultation by physicians from
our New York University medical staff.
Medications and Diet
While many medications can be continued up to surgery, some may
cause problems with the surgery, anesthesia, or healing process.
Non-prescription drugs, and alternate medicines may also cause significant
side effects. If there are any medications, drugs or natural or
alternate agents that you have not already included in your history,
it is important to contact our office with this information. Bring
a list of these agents to your pre-admission evaluation so that
the anesthesiologist may review this list and advise accordingly.
There is no special diet recommended prior to surgery. Patients
in most circumstances should look to eat balanced nutritional meals.
Drastic diets may be problematic and patients are advised to discuss
any such diets with their medical doctors.
Anesthesia
Most upper extremity procedures are performed using local anesthesia
in which the surgical area is made numb, or regional anesthesia
in which the entire arm is made numb. General anesthesia is available
but rarely chosen. There is an anesthesiologist present throughout
the procedure to maintain the patient's comfort level and safety.
Patients meet with the Anesthesiologists in the pre-admission visit
approximately one week before surgery. This is the best time to
for patients to learn about the various anesthesia techniques and
find out what may best suit their needs.
Coming to the Hospital
The hospital will call the night before surgery advising time for
arrival. The arrival time is usually one to two hours before the
time the surgery is scheduled. This time is necessary to prepare
patients for their procedures. It is important that the patient
bring someone with them, or arrange for someone to meet them to
bring them home as the medications given during surgery may take
several hours to wear off.
• Bring a list of current medications and dosages.
Who to call with questions before surgery
Many people have questions or need assurance of some part of their
care. Do not hesitate to call or contact our office.
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