Preparing For Arthroscopic Surgery

How you manage yourself after surgery must be the same way you prepare before having one. Although arthroscopic surgery is a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure, knowing how to prepare effectively is a great way to achieve a hassle-free procedure and recovery.

Do not forget to tick these reminders before your arthroscopic surgery.

School Yourself About Arthroscopic Surgery

Before agreeing to have arthroscopic surgery, you must know how it works and why it is relevant for your condition. You don’t have to do in-depth research; you can just ask your physician to give you a summary of the procedure and why you are a good candidate for it.

If something is unclear or there are points in the procedure that make you uncomfortable, you can discuss it with your provider. Being open to your doctor is essential to the success of your procedure. You can also ask them about the operation’s success rate, risks, and complications.

Know The Surgery Location Beforehand

Confirm the location of your surgery with your provider, because some surgeons conduct operations in surgery centers or hospitals that you may not have visited before. Drive to the location a few days before your procedure and check out the parking situation. That way, you can familiarize yourself with the area.

Be On Time

It is important to note that some clinics might have a late arrival policy. Due to limitations in the provider’s time and the patient queue, they might reschedule your operation if you arrive late.

Arriving earlier than your schedule is good since briefing or preliminary steps may occur before the operation. Some of these include verifying your health insurance and signing patient health forms.

Disclose Your Patient History

Arthroscopic surgery involves using anesthetics during the procedure. Your doctor may recommend halting some medications sometime before surgery to avoid adverse drug interactions.

If you are not taking medications, your doctor may advise against taking medicines and supplements that may enhance bleeding risk.

Tell your doctor if you have allergies. There might be substances in the anesthesia that can cause you to have an allergic reaction.

Follow The Prescribed Diet

It is standard to fast and avoid drinking water 8 to 12 hours before surgery. This tip is a general recommendation to minimize some risks during the procedure.

Fasting is critical because your reflexes are lax under general anesthesia. If you eat or drink, you increase your chances of vomiting.

Maintaining a nutritious and healthy diet in the weeks leading up to the procedure can help you be as healthy as possible before undergoing surgery, which will help during recovery.

Only Bring What’s Necessary

As a minimally-invasive procedure, arthroscopic surgery does not require hospitalization. That means you don’t have to pack many clothes or belongings.

Most of the time, you only need an identification card, like your driver’s license or passport, and insurance documents. You may also bring other records that your doctor may have requested.

Bring Someone With You

Arthroscopic surgery, unlike other surgeries, is an outpatient procedure, but this does not mean that your doctor will permit you to drive home. In fact, your provider will not allow you to drive for a few weeks after the surgery.

Call a friend or family member to provide transportation for you on the day of the procedure. You may also need their assistance in case you need some help at home before and after the procedure.

Know What To Wear

You should wear light and easy to remove clothing on the day of your arthroscopic surgery. You will need to change into a hospital gown for the procedure, so wearing loose, easy to remove clothes will make the changing process easier – both before and after surgery. Leave all jewelry and valuables at home.

Arthroscopic Surgery In Baltimore

You should be mindful about your preparation for arthroscopy, even if it is minimally invasive. Being confident across all stages of treatment will lead to promising results. That’s why establishing good patient-provider communication early on is vital.

The board-certified specialists at the Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland provide comprehensive and patient-centered care. You can trust us if you’re looking for the best orthopedic surgeon in Baltimore. Get to know our top-notch services and specialties to see why we are the right fit for you.

If you want to know more about our doctors or services, you may call us at (410) 644-1880. You may also book an appointment with us using our convenient online request form.

We look forward to serving you!