Preparing for orthopedic surgery
Pre-surgery testing and registration
Pre-surgery testing is an important part of the surgery planning process. An HonorHealth nurse will contact you to discuss your upcoming surgery. This appointment may be done over the phone or in-person. Together, you'll review your current health status, discuss instructions for preparing for your surgery and outline all medical tests that must be completed before surgery. You'll need to give the nurse a complete list of all medications, herbs and supplements you take since some may increase your risk of bleeding or lead to other post-surgical complications. If you'll be completing this appointment in-person, please arrive 30 minutes before your appointment to complete paperwork. Bring your insurance card(s) and photo ID. Depending on the tests your physician orders, you may need to have an EKG, urine and blood tests, and X-rays. Your doctor will review the results prior to your surgery.
Preadmission nurse telephone numbers:
HonorHealth Deer Valley Medical Center | 623-879-1804 |
HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center | 602-870-6315 |
HonorHealth Piper Surgery Center | 480-323-3024 |
HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center | 480-882-6879 |
HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center | 480-323-3024 |
HonorHealth Greenbaum Specialty Surgical Hospital | 480-882-6879 |
HonorHealth Thompson Peak Medical Center | 480-324-7064 |
If you choose to have your pre-surgery EKG, blood/urine tests or X-rays done at a non-HonorHealth location, please have your results sent via fax to the HonorHealth Preadmission department at the location where you will be having surgery.
Preadmission department fax numbers:
HonorHealth Deer Valley Medical Center | 623-879-5821 |
HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center | 602-870-6090 |
HonorHealth Piper Surgery Center | 480-323-3287 |
HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center | 480-882-6885 |
HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center | 480-323-3287 |
HonorHealth Greenbaum Specialty Surgical Hospital | 480-882-6885 |
HonorHealth Thompson Peak Medical Center | 480-882-5836 |
Transportation
Medication given before, during or after surgery can cause drowsiness, lightheadedness and nausea. As a result, you won't be able to drive immediately following surgery, even if the surgery is done in an outpatient setting.
For your safety and the safety of others, please make transportation arrangements prior to surgery. Have the person who will be driving you home come with you to the hospital and wait in the visitor's lounge. This individual must be 18 or older. You will not be able to leave the hospital in a cab or rideshare service (such as Uber or Lyft), so please plan accordingly and make sure you have someone you know who can accompany you home.
Minors undergoing orthopedic surgery must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian must stay at the facility at all times while the minor is in HonorHealth's care. Parents or guardians should plan to have someone else drive them to and from the hospital so they can focus their attention on caring for their child.
Getting ready for surgery
One week before surgery
Unless otherwise instructed by your orthopedic surgeon, stop taking aspirin and aspirin-like products one week prior to surgery. This includes arthritis medications with aspirin, migraine medications with aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. In addition, stop taking certain supplements one week prior to surgery. This includes vitamin E, garlic, ginkgo and ginseng. You may continue taking other supplements, as needed.
NOTE: If you take prescription medication, it's important to ask your doctor what you should continue taking, including what, if any, medications should be taken the night before or the day of surgery. If you're advised to continue taking the medication, use only one tablespoon of water or less since you will be fasting in preparation for surgery.
Prepare your home for when you return after surgery to help minimize the risk of falling. You may need to relocate food and/or toiletry items so they are accessible, install grab bars in the bathroom, and clear walkways of throw rugs, cords or other potential hazards.
Eight hours before surgery
You may not eat anything solid, including chewing gum or mints, for eight hours prior to your surgery, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You may still drink clear liquids during this time, which minimizes your risk of dehydration. You should stop drinking clear liquids three hours prior to your surgery.
The night before/morning of surgery
Take a bath or shower using antibacterial soap, brush your teeth and use antiseptic mouthwash the night before or morning of your surgery, depending on your surgery time. Antibacterial mouthwash helps reduce germs that can cause post-surgical lung infections. DO NOT swallow the mouthwash.
Do not shave the area or the area around where you will have surgery to minimize the risk of infection. Do not use any powders, colognes, deodorant, body lotion or cream, aftershave or makeup after showering.
Pack your toothbrush, toothpaste and other personal hygiene items, including a storage container for dentures if you wear them. Bring loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that does not need to be pulled over your head and well-fitting shoes with rubber soles for the trip home from the hospital.