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1201 East Sample Road
Pompano Beach, FL 33064
Tel (954) 942-4433
Fax (954) 942-0448

Office Hours

Monday – Friday
9:00am – 5:00pm

(954) 942-4433 For Appointments
1201 East Sample Road • Pompano Beach, FL 33064

East Coast Orthopaedics

Are there medications I need to stop taking before surgery?

Most medications may be taken up to the day of surgery. If you are currently taking an anti-inflammatory medication, this should be discontinued two weeks prior to surgery unless you are instructed otherwise by your physician. These medications tend to act as blood thinners and this is the reason for recommending discontinuing them.

Blood thinning medications such as Coumadin or aspirin are also discontinued prior to surgery. However, the exact times of discontinuing these medications are made on an individualized basis and should be checked with your personal physician for the correct method regarding this.

How long will I be in the hospital?

For joint replacement surgery, most patients are hospitalized 2-3 days, including the day of surgery. This may vary if the patient is either going to a rehabilitation center, a sub-acute facility, or not cleared medically or surgically for discharge home.

Please be advised. Most insurance covers 3-4 days of acute care in the hospital for total knee and total hip replacement surgery. Some insurances do provide for further care in several other types of facilities. It is advisable for each patient to contact their health insurance provider for specific programs covered and to obtain these provisions in writing.

What should I bring to the hospital?

All patients should bring:

  • personal toiletries and shaving gear
  • loose fitting COMFORTABLE clothing
  • non-skid shoes or slippers (slip-on type with closed back preferred)
  • a list of their current medications (including dosages)
  • any paperwork the hospital may have requested

Please be advised. The hospital provides gowns, slipper socks, and a small supply of toiletries. Most patients, however, do supplement these with the articles outlined above, at least in terms of toiletries.

In addition, if you have an assistive device that you plan to use after discharge (i.e. walker, cane, crutches) but are not currently using, you should have someone bring this in prior to discharge so the physical therapist can check to assure that it is the adequate size for you.

When should I arrive at the hospital for my surgery?

Patients are requested to arrive at the hospital at least 2 HOURS prior to the scheduled surgery time. This allows time for you to go through the admission process, change into hospital clothing, meet the anesthesiologist and nursing personnel who will be with you during your surgery, and get any questions pertaining to this process answered.

Please be advised. You should have nothing by mouth after midnight on the day prior to your surgery. In some cases you may be allowed to take a medication the morning of surgery. If this is the case, you should take the medication with the least amount of water necessary. Report to the admitting nurse any medications (and dosage) you may have taken.