Patient Info
Education: Pre-Op Class
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The general principle of the pre-operative class is to educate patients
before surgery to make their recovery easier. Pre-op class is intended to take
the "mystery" out of the surgical and hospital experience. Patients are informed
of everything from what to bring to the hospital, to how their leg will feel
during the different phases of recovery. They are taught exercises, how to use
walking devices such as crutches and canes, and how to use adaptive equipment to
help with showering and dressing. Patients are encouraged to use these devices
in class to become comfortable with their use prior to surgery.
We have found that it is easier for patients and their families to learn in a
classroom setting with other patients undergoing the same type of procedures.
Patients and family are encouraged to ask questions and interact with the staff.
By taking the mystery out of what is going to happen to them, testing their
ability with walking and adaptive equipment and giving an in depth explanation
of the peri-operative period, our patients are able to safely return home in
24-48 hours after surgery.
In pre-op class we cover:
- Pre-hospitalization procedures including blood donation, clearance by
Internal Medicine doctor, signing of consents, and time of arrival at hospital
on surgery date.
- Pre-operative skin cleansing and care.
- Complete explanation of basic joint replacement surgery. Visualization of
hip model. Hands on joint replacement components to examine weight, texture and
fit to bone.
- Pre-operative medication planning. When to stop anti-inflammatories and
aspirin containing medications. Explanation of what over the counter medications
and alternative medications to avoid.
- Hospital admission procedure. Where to report for surgery, who will greet
you and help prepare you for your operation. What time to report to the hospital.
- Limb identification for insuring correct surgery on day of operation.
- Approximate time the surgery will take. Where your family can wait
comfortably for you during your operation.
- Anesthesia. What type is used. Reduction of side effects with
epidurals.
- Post operative feelings in the leg, and how your leg will feel at different
times during recovery.
- How often, and how to correctly ice and elevate your leg after surgery.
- Bowel protocol to avoid constipation both before and after surgery.
- Foods to incorporate into your diet for the benefit of healing and blood
rejuvenation.
- Wound care.
- Follow-up phone calls and appointments and when you will be expected to
return to the clinic.
We encourage pre-op class attendance 2 weeks prior to surgery. Your family
may attend with you. Class is held at the Arthritis Institute on Mondays for
hip patients and Wednesdays for knee patients from 10am to 12 pm. please call
(213)-977-2450 for an appointment.
Download Pre-Op Class Materials
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