Surgical

The surgical suite at Hand to Shoulder Associates is a specialized surgical location designed for the needs of upper extremity surgery.

Doctor smiling and speaking with patient

Shoulder Joint Replacement Bicep Tendon Repair Elbow Arthroscopy Arthroscopic Wrist Surgery Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Joint Replacement Joint Reconstruction Extremity Replantation Bone Replacement Vascular Reconstruction Vascular Grafting

We strive to make your surgical experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible. You will find our medical staff to be skilled and supportive. When you arrive for your appointment, our schedulers will try to keep your waiting time to a minimum.

Surgery scheduling

At the Hand to Shoulder Associates, a surgical scheduler will plan your surgery date and pre-operative testing. Please note the following tips to avoid any delays or cancellations in your procedure.

Please provide us with the telephone number to contact you regarding your surgery date and arrival time.
Report to us if you have a cold, cough, sore throat, or fever that has developed within one week before surgery.
You must notify us if you suspect that you may be pregnant.
If you have any questions regarding authorization/pre-certification of your surgical procedure, please contact your insurance company.

Pre-surgical testing

Generally, pre-operative testing is recommended depending on your age and health status. Pre-surgical testing must be completed at least one week before your surgery. Depending on your medical conditions, you will be requested to get a written release from your family or referring physician. This is to prevent any post-operative complications.

Day before surgery

The day before surgery, a member of the surgical team will contact you to review your pre-operative instructions and to confirm the arrival time. The most important things to remember are:

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery.
You will need someone to drive you home if you are discharged within 24 hours, as the anesthesia may make you feel dizzy and sleepy.
As per law, patients under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian stay at the center throughout the surgical procedure and recovery time.

Day of Surgery

The instructions to be followed on the day of your surgery include:

Do not eat or drink anything, including water.
Please plan to arrive 2 hours before the scheduled surgery time.
Leave all valuables, including piercings, jewelry, money, and credit cards at home.
The operating room receptionist will ask you to complete the health questionnaire.
Wear loose comfortable clothing that is easy to remove and to wear back home. Your clothes will be placed in a secure locker, and we will provide you with a hospital gown. You will meet the anesthesiologist to discuss the type of anesthesia to be administered, either local or general anesthesia.
For safety, a responsible family member or friend must stay with you at the center during the procedure and drive you home upon discharge.

After surgery

You will be moved to the recovery room after surgery. You will be closely monitored by a recovery room nurse. You will receive a discharge summary – a concise report of your surgery, hospital stay, discharge instructions and medications, diet, activity, and follow-up care. For your comfort and safety following surgery, we remind you of the following:

You can start taking your personal medications along with the prescribed medications by your surgeon.
Make sure a responsible adult stays with you for the first 24 hours.
Avoid drinking alcohol.
You are restricted from driving a vehicle or operating any heavy equipment for the first 24 hours.
Take sufficient time to sign important documents or make significant decisions.

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