If you’re a candidate for outpatient joint replacement surgery, there are many benefits to choosing to do so at an ambulatory center like Geneva Surgical Suites. 

More affordable surgery: While cost savings vary, outpatient surgery centers don’t have the same costs associated with hospitals, often creating a much more affordable alternative for patients. In addition, Medicare Part B now allows patients to undergo medically necessary total hip replacement surgery and total knee replacement surgery at ambulatory surgery centers.

Less risk of bacteria: Geneva Surgical Suites care team offers only orthopedic surgical services. This reduces the risk of unwanted contact with any potentially contaminated body parts.

Better surgery experience: Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) have greater control over the surgery and recovery processes. In addition, our on-time start rate for joint replacement surgery is 98% while hospitals struggle to keep it at 70%.

Familiar staff: You will interact with the same staff throughout your entire orthopedic surgery process, offering familiarity and further comfort.

Better recovery experience: A majority of patients will return home the same day, but in the rare event of an emergency, the surgeon can keep them on-site for 23 hours. Going home quickly will provide a faster, more comfortable, and oftentimes easier recovery in the patient’s own home

While the benefits are clear, you may be left wondering how things will work on the day of surgery. 

Above all, it’s important to know that our team at Geneva Surgical Suites works hard to create a comfortable and smooth experience for every patient. From registration to the transition home, each step is designed to minimize any disruption.

Let’s break it down.

How Same-Day Surgery Works

Pre-Admission

This is a time to review your health history and medication list, as well as obtain blood work and an EKG. 

You should make note of 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 buffer time. Please note that it is required to be done within 30 days of the procedure.

Before your surgery, you should meet with your other doctors for clearance.

• Primary care doctor to review your blood work
• Cardiologist to ensure there’s no risk of a heart-related problem during surgery (only applicable for those with a cardiac history or who regularly see a cardiologist)
• Dentist to be sure you don’t have a mouth infection, cavity, or abscess that could infect the bloodstream

These specialists should be seen within thirty days of surgery. It’s possible that you will need more testing due to underlying conditions. If not done in this timeframe, your surgery timeline could be impacted. 

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

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

• No eating or drinking eight hours prior to surgery
• Do not take medications such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin, starting seven days before surgery (these may impact bleeding time)
• You should arrange for transportation post-surgery

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

Checking in

Due to Covid-19 protocols, only one family member may accompany you to your surgery. Please have your insurance information handy.

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

Recovery

Once the 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 begin 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 with no vomiting
• Urinate without difficulty

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

In addition, this is when you will receive easy-to-understand recovery instructions. This includes necessary prescriptions and instructions regarding activity, wound care, and who to contact in the event of a problem.

Going home

Once you are cleared for discharge, an aid will bring you to your ride in a wheelchair. 

There are a few ways to ensure that, once home, your recovery will be as smooth as possible.

• Create a comfortable space: Your movement will be restricted, so your recovery space should be convenient and include a bed, firm chair, toiletries, medication, and clothing. Keep water, snacks, books, and the remote close as well.
• Clear the floor area: To make the surrounding area as safe as possible, move all floor items such as rugs and mats to the side. This will allow for easy maneuvering with a walker. In addition, any loose cords should be put away.
• Make your bathroom safe: You should install a grab bar and non-stick mat in your shower or tub as well as lay bathmats on the floor.
• Necessary items should be at a level height: Any essential items, including medication, food, and toiletries, should be moved to waist-level.
• Ask for help: You will likely need help changing bandages, bathing, dressing, and completing household chores such as laundry. In addition, you may need to arrange for pet care as needed.

Undergoing a joint replacement during Covid-19 is possible and safe at the state-of-the-art Geneva Surgical Suites. Speak with our expert staff today to learn more.