About Your Surgery

Before Surgery

A nurse from Atlanta Orthopaedic Institute Surgery Center will contact you prior to your surgery to review your health history, medications and pre-operative instructions.
Please notify your surgeon if there is a change in your physical condition such as cold, fever or respiratory problems.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your operation, including hard candy, chewing gum and cigarettes. If your child is the patient, please be careful to monitor this. Also, please follow any other special instructions your surgeon may have given you. Failure to follow these instructions may result in cancellation of your surgery.
Please be sure to tell your surgeon if you are on any type of blood thinners or aspirin. Please do not take any medications after midnight unless instructed by your surgeon or the nurse at our center.
It is mandatory to arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you to Atlanta Orthopaedic Institute Surgery Center and remain with you the first 24 hours after surgery.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is large enough to accommodate a bandage after surgery.
Wear comfortable shoes such as slip-ons.
You will need to change into a surgical gown once in the pre-op area.
Do not wear any jewelry (including body piercing), makeup or cologne. Do not bring any valuables with you other than a photo ID and all insurance cards.
Wearing contact lenses is NOT advised. We provide containers for removable dentures and bridgework.
If your child is having surgery, feel free to bring a favorite stuffed animal or security blanket for added assurance.

You will be discharged to your car by wheelchair. You must have a responsible adult present to drive you home and to care for you following surgery.
Your physician will provide post-operative instructions regarding diet, rest, exercise and medications. You will be provided with a written summary of these discharge instructions.
A nurse from the surgery center will attempt to call you the day after your surgery to check on your progress and discuss any questions you may have. If you have any unexpected problems, please call your doctor. If he/she does not respond, please go to the nearest emergency room.