Patient guide
Preparing for surgery
A practical checklist for the days before your shoulder or elbow procedure.
Your surgical team will provide instructions specific to your procedure and health. Those instructions always take priority. Use this page as a general preparation guide and call the office if anything is unclear.
ImportantDo not stop a prescribed medication unless the prescribing clinician or surgical team has told you to do so.
One to two weeks before
- Complete requested medical clearance, laboratory work, or imaging
- Review every prescription, over-the-counter medicine, vitamin, and supplement with the surgical team
- Ask specifically about blood thinners, diabetes or weight-loss medicines, anti-inflammatory drugs, and immune-suppressing medication
- Stop nicotine and avoid any new skin injury near the operative shoulder or elbow
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you as instructed
The day before
- Follow the exact fasting and clear-liquid instructions given by the facility
- Shower as directed; do not shave the operative area
- Remove jewelry and prepare loose, front-opening clothing
- Confirm arrival time, location, identification, insurance information, and sling if you were told to bring one
Call before surgery if
- You develop fever, respiratory illness, vomiting, diarrhea, a new infection, or feel significantly unwell
- There is a rash, cut, burn, bite, or wound near the operative site
- You started an antibiotic, steroid, blood thinner, or another new medication
- You are unsure which medicines to take or when to stop eating and drinking
Planning your home
Place frequently used items between waist and shoulder height. Prepare easy meals, set up a comfortable sleep position, and plan for help with dressing, bathing, pets, childcare, and transportation. A recliner is optional, not mandatory, but many patients find an elevated position more comfortable initially.
PIA Shoulder MD