Pre-Surgery Instructions

How do I schedule my surgery?

The staff at Dr. Brown's office will hand scheduling details for you. You just need to choose where you wish to have your surgery performed, and they will make all the necessary arrangements. Depending on the procedure, you may also need to make a separate appointment for lab work or to complete a pre-admission screening process.

 

What should I do to prepare for my surgery?

Someone from the surgery center will contact you at least 24 hours before surgery with specific directions. As a general rule, follow these instructions:

  • Do not take any aspirin, aspirin products or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (including Ibuprofen, Advil, Naproxen or their equivalents) for one week prior to surgery.
  • Do not eat or drink anything eight hours prior to your scheduled surgery. That includes water, coffee, gum, cigarettes and mints. This is for your protection, since some types of anesthetics must be given on an empty stomach.
  • Do your best to avoid getting any scratches, cuts, burns or other types of open wounds on the arm that is to be operated on. Open wounds increase the chance of infection following surgery. If your arm receives such a wound prior to surgery, please call Dr. Brown's office at (314) 782.1994. In some cases, your surgery may need to be rescheduled.

 

What time should I arrive on the day of surgery?

The surgery center will call you the day prior to surgery with your arrival time. Keep in mind that schedules sometimes change. If in doubt, arrive one hour before your scheduled procedure time.

 

What should I wear?

You'll want to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing since you will likely be wearing a cast or splint on your arm when you leave. Don't bother with contact lenses, makeup or jewelry, including anything worn in body piercings. Dentures and other removable dental work will also need to be removed prior to surgery.

 

What should I bring with me?

Leave any valuables at home. Items you SHOULD bring include:

  • Your driver's license or ID
  • Any medications you take
  • Glasses, if needed to read and sign paperwork

If you will be discharged on the day of surgery:

  • A responsible adult to drive you to and from the center and who can remain with you for the first 24 hours after surgery

If you will have an overnight stay:

  • Personal care items, such as a robe, toothbrush and slippers   

 

A message from Dr. Brown about the risks of surgery 

No one knows precisely how our bodies work, and no two hands, wrists or elbows are the same. In the practice of medicine, there is no way to guarantee the absolute accuracy of a diagnosis or the success of treatment, including surgery, recovery of function, appearance or any other measure of outcome.

With any surgery comes the possibility of stiffness, swelling, infection, bleeding, improper healing, pain, tenderness, weakness, numbness, visible deformity, damage to tendons, nerves, ligaments, recurrence, persistent symptoms or other possible problems that may need additional treatment. Our office's policy is to discuss the potential risks and complications, anticipated outcome and alternatives to your particular surgery prior to the procedure. If you have any questions regarding your proposed surgery, or these issues have not been discussed to your satisfaction, please contact me prior to your surgery at (314) 782.1994. I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you so we can work together to avoid problems and achieve your best possible result.

Questions about your surgery, follow-up appointments, work releases or postoperative therapy can addressed to either myself or a member of our staff.

Dr. David Brown