Outpatient orthopaedic surgery at Stanford’s Outpatient Surgery Center (OSC) Redwood City
You should arrive at the OSC at least 2 hours before your scheduled procedure. Family members and friends are welcome to join you.
Pre-Operative Area
Phase I – Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Phase II – Recovery Room
Consult with your Stanford surgeon regarding the need to stop your regular medications or start taking new medications prior to your surgery. You may want to confirm this information with your primary physician. Even if you do not currently take any regular medications’ it is important to review the “Health Supplements and Foods” section below, as it lists items that are important to avoid or reduce.
Health Supplements and Foods
Please closely follow the guidelines below related to consumption of vitamins, health supplements and some food items.
Homeopathic Preparations to Avoid
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), cayenne (Capsicum annuum), dong quai (Angelica sinensis), Echinacea (echainacea augustfolia), feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), garlic (Allium sativum), ginger (Zingiber officianle), gingko biloba, ginseng (Panax quinqueflouium), Hawthorne (Cratagus laevigate), kava kava (piper methysticum, licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), ma haung (ephedra sinica), melatonin, St. John’s Wort (hybericum perforatum), valerian (Valeriana officianalis), Yohimbe (Coryanthe Yohimbe).
Vitamins to Avoid
Vitamin E, fish oil, cod liver oil.
The following are questions often asked by patients. You may also find it useful to list additional questions for your provider so that you will remember to ask them at your pre-operative appointment.
Pre-Operative Questions
Q: What medications do I take before surgery and which ones don’t I take?
A: You will be given directions at your pre-operative appointment about which medications you can and cannot take prior to your surgery.
Q: How do I find out the date and time of my surgery?
A: The surgery scheduler will tell you the date of your surgery. Personnel from the Operating Room will call you the night before to confirm the time of your surgery and when and where to arrive.
Post-Operative Questions
Q: Will I need any durable medical equipment (DME)- such as crutches, walkers, braces, a continuous passive motion unit (CPM) or cold therapy devices- and how will I obtain it?
A: Outpatient Surgeries: Arrangements for obtaining equipment will be coordinated by your surgery scheduler. If you have questions, these should be raised during your pre-operative appointment. It is helpful if you know what types of durable medical equipment benefits are covered by your insurance company.
Q; What type of transportation do I need after surgery or at the time of my discharge from the hospital?
A: You cannot drive home after your surgery/discharge. Hospital regulations do not permit you to drive or use a taxicab or uber unescorted. You should make arrangements in advance to have a responsible adult drive you home.
Q: When can I resume taking my medications?
A: Your surgeon will tell you when you can begin to retake your medications after surgery.
Q: When and where is my follow up clinic appointment?
A: The surgery scheduler will schedule your first post-op appointment and tell you where your appointment will be. Your surgeon will indicate when your sutures or skin clips will be removed.
Q: How much and what kind of physical activity will I be able to do?
A: Your surgeon will discuss your activities and restrictions with you following your surgery.
Q: What things do I need to be alert to after my surgery?
A: Your surgeon or nurse will review specific instructions with you before being discharged from the Surgery Center.
In addition, you should immediately call your surgeon at the clinic ph#800-717-0012 if you experience any of the following:
Q: When can I drive after my surgery?
A: Driving time varies depending on your type of surgery. Please ask your surgeon or other member of your care team after your surgery.
Q: When can I travel on an airplane?
A: Discuss with your surgeon any travel planned within 6 weeks of your surgery.
