How Same-Day Surgery Works

Ahead of your surgery, you may be wondering how things will work the day of. Above all, it’s essential to know that Dr. Kuesis and his team work hard to create a comfortable and smooth experience for every patient.  

Each step of your same-day surgery is designed to make the process seamless.

Leading Up to Surgery

Please note any current medical conditions and medications, past medical and surgical history, and allergies. All blood work should be done three weeks before surgery to allow for ample time for your PCP, Surgeon, and anesthesiologist to review. This is required to be done within 30 days of the procedure.

Two weeks before surgery, you will meet with Dr. Kuesis to review and discuss the process. 

In the week leading up to your surgery, there are a few important things to remember:

• • No eating or drinking eight hours before surgery
• • Do not take blood-thinning medications such as Advil, Aleve, Motrin, or blood-thinning products like Aspirin, Coumadin, etc (any blood thinner prescribed by a doctor, must get instructions on when how to stop/resume).
• • You should arrange for transportation post-surgery

You can access all necessary forms here, including further instruction and a patient checklist.

Checking In for Surgery

Due to Covid-19 protocols, only one family member may accompany you to your surgery. 

Please have your insurance card with you.

Upon arrival, you will be led to your room, where our nurses will review everything with you once more before you sign the necessary consent forms. Once complete, you will change into your gown and your IV will be started.

Finally, Dr. Kuesis will stop by to assign your hip or knee (visibly mark the knee that will be operated on) and give you medication for relaxation.

After the Surgery

Once your surgery is complete, you will be moved to a post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) to wake up and begin your recovery. 

This is a critical care unit where our team will closely monitor your vital signs, administer fluids, and start your pain management regimen. 

You will work with a team member to get out of bed, move to a chair, and start walking. Before you are released to go home, you should be able to:

• • Safely walk with crutches or a walker
• • Eat food and drink liquids without vomiting
• • Urinate without difficulty

In addition, all vital signs (e.g., blood pressure and heart rate) should be stable and your pain should be well-controlled.

Before discharge, you will receive easy-to-understand instructions for recovery. These include necessary prescriptions and guidance regarding activity, wound care, and who to contact in the event of a problem.

In-home physical therapy will start the next day.

You can see more information and guidance for recovering from your operation safely and comfortably here.