With one general surgeon, one orthopaedic surgeon in house and seven consulting specialty surgeons on staff, we are able to provide a wide variety of surgical services including General, Gynecology, Urology, Ear/Nose/Throat, Ophthalmology, Podiatry, Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. Our Family Physicians provide continuous Endoscopy service including Sigmoidoscopy, Colonoscopy, Gastroscopy, Feeding Tube insertion, Foreign Body Retrieval, and Esophageal Dilatation. Our 24-Hour coverage Anesthesia Department provides all types of anesthesia including OB epidurals and pain clinics.
One Day Before Surgery
Do not smoke or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours before your surgery.
Smoking, chewing tobacco or drinking may increase recovery time from anesthesia and may lengthen the healing process.
Pack any items that you will need during your hospital visit.
If you are staying at the hospital after your surgery, bring personal items such as a robe, slippers, pajamas, and toiletries like toothpaste, toothbrush, and hairbrush. Also, remember to bring additional clothing as you will be out of your hospital gown and back into your regular clothes as quickly as possible.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
Per your surgeon’s instructions and our anesthesia guidelines, do not eat or drink anything after midnight. This includes water, mints, candy, and gum. You may have clear liquids until 6 a.m. if surgery is scheduled for that afternoon. The only exception is if you have been directed by your physician to take some of your medications with a sip of water. If your mouth becomes very dry, you may swish water but you must spit it out. Oral care (brushing teeth) is permitted, but do not swallow any water. The pre-screening nurse will give you specific instructions in regard to this, as it may vary depending on the time of your surgery.
Remove fingernail and toenail polish (including clear).
The medical staff monitors your breathing during your procedure and watches that your nail beds remain pink, which means oxygen is circulating well throughout your body. You may have acrylic nails, but they must be without polish.
Wear glasses instead of contacts and bring a container for your glasses.
You cannot wear contacts while you are under anesthesia due to the risk of rubbing your eyes once you awaken. If you require an inpatient stay, you may use your contacts after you have settled in your room.
Remove body piercings.
All body piercings are to be removed prior to your procedure. We recommend leaving your valuables at home. This includes all jewelry, body piercings or electronic equipment (iPod, video games, etc.).
Shower with a special soap the night before and morning of your surgery.
Your surgeon should provide you with soap, a special nylon sponge, and bathing directions. Lightly wash your entire body (from the neck down) with the special soap. If you have an allergy to CHG, you may substitute an antibacterial soap such as Dial. If the special soap is used and you develop signs of an allergy, discontinue use and contact your physician. The soap can be purchased at a drug store or local pharmacy if needed. Hair may be washed with regular shampoo.
Do not apply lotion after your shower or bath and do not use bath sprays.
Many lotions have chemicals that interfere with the killing action of the cleanser.
Do not shave around the operative area for 48 hours before surgery.
Small cuts in the skin may increase the risk of infection. Hospital staff may use clippers to remove hair as needed.
Gather post surgery adaptive equipment to bring to the hospital.
Our physical and occupational therapists will assess your need for adaptive equipment after your surgery. If you are bringing in your own equipment, please make sure it is thoroughly disinfected. Examples of these items include, but are not limited to: crutches, walker, leg lifter, sock assist device or reacher/grabber. If needed, you may also purchase these items at the hospital.
*Resources OrthoNebraska Hospital
Total Joint Class
If you're scheduled for a total joint replacement at our hospital, you are invited to attend our Total Joint Class. This class is designed to inform patients of what to expect before, during and after their procedure. This education can help our patients create a sense of reassurance of the total joint replacement process. All total joint patients are highly encouraged to attend by the hospital and your physician. We will call all total joint patients and set up their appointments.
