Your Surgery

To simplify your surgical experience and help you understand the entire process of your surgery, please review the following information.

Click here to download your surgery itinerary.

FOR ALL PATIENTS

Pre-surgery screening is a very important part of your surgical journey. When you are scheduled to have surgery at Crystal Clinic, you should expect to receive a call from our Pre-Admission Testing Department or be scheduled for a Pre-Admission Testing appointment. During these encounters, a nurse will discuss your medications, allergies, health, surgical, and social histories. This information is then reviewed by our anesthesia team.

Why is This Call Necessary?

Patient safety and positive surgical outcomes are the priority at Crystal Clinic. Pre-surgery screening is a great way to begin gathering all the information needed to proceed with your surgery.

Patients who are healthy or having a minor procedure will only need this phone screening. Other patients may be asked to come in for additional testing.

What to Expect During a Testing Appointment

• Patients, who are instructed to come in for a testing appointment, will meet with a nurse clinician. This staff member will ensure that all necessary testing is completed. This testing could include lab work, urine testing, electrocardiogram or EKG, or an X-ray.
• The patient’s height, weight, and vital signs are also obtained.
• The nurse clinician will also perform a physical assessment of the patient. This clinician will review the patient’s health, medication, and allergy histories.
• During this appointment, some patients may see one of our in-house medical doctors for a surgical clearance.
• For patient convenience, some patients have appointments near the time of their testing appointment for CT scans, Physical Therapy, or to pick up durable medical equipment.
• Anesthesia staff will see all patients on the day of surgery. Until then, they are working behind-the-scenes to review your information to help you have an outstanding surgical experience.

What to Have Ready for Your Pre-Surgery

Phone Assessment or Pre-Admission Testing Appointment

• Your medication bottles or an updated list of your medications and supplements
• The medication dose and frequency that the medication is taken
• A written record of your past hospitalizations, including the dates and reasons for admission

If You are Required to Have a Pre-Admission Testing Appointment:

• Dress casually for your appointment. (Please do not wear a dress or pantyhose.)
• Know that no fasting blood work is needed for testing.
• Bring your insurance card and picture identification.
• Bring a copy of your Living Will and/or Durable Power of Attorney.

If you need to reschedule your Pre-Admission Testing Appointment, contact your surgeon’s office.

Pre-Surgery Requirements

In order to provide you with the best surgical outcome, Crystal Clinic may require that you have Pre-Admission testing, a Physical Therapy assessment, a primary care doctor appointment, or a specialist appointment. Your surgeon’s office will instruct you about these potential appointments.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Stop smoking. Patients who do not smoke heal better and faster. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to surgery.

Anesthesia

Your surgeon will discuss with you the expected type of anesthesia for your procedure. On the day of your surgery, a member of the Anesthesia Department will explain the type of anesthesia.

Arrange for an Accompanying Family Member or Friend

Plan ahead to have a family member or friend accompany you to the Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center. For your safety, you will not be allowed to drive or take public transportation alone after a surgery with anesthesia. A responsible adult 18 years or older must be available to accompany you home.

Report Allergies

Your allergies will be reviewed at every stop of your surgical experience – from your surgeon’s office, to pre-testing, as well as on the day of your surgery. Since special measures are taken for patients with allergies, it is very important for you to have an accurate allergy list.

This list should include the allergen as well as the reaction. Medication, metal, adhesive, food, and latex allergies should all be reported. Patients may be identified as having a latex allergy if they have had any skin rashes or breathing problems after contact with band-aids, balloons, gloves, condoms, rubber products, or with dental visits; or who have allergies to bananas, avocados, chestnuts, kiwi, papaya, or other tropical fruits.

Report Illness, Cancellation

Please call your surgeon immediately if you develop a cold or other illness before the day of surgery so we may evaluate your situation further. If you develop signs of infection at or near the surgical site (cuts, scratches, bites, burns, etc.) before your surgery, please call your surgeon. If you cannot keep your surgery appointment for any reason, please call Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center at 330-668-4040 or 800- 662-4043, ext. 4201.

When to Arrive

Your arrival time is very important. Your surgeon’s office will let you know when to arrive. Some offices will let the patient know the arrival time when the surgery is scheduled and others will call the patient the afternoon before surgery. If you have special needs or considerations about surgery or arrival time, please let your surgeon’s office know.

Where to Park

Parking is available on the surface lots in front of both Crystal Clinic facilities. Handicapped parking is available at both locations. Patients should be dropped off at the covered main entrance.

Dressing for the Day of Surgery

On your day of surgery, wear casual and comfortable clothing. If you will be discharged on the day of surgery and are having a shoulder surgery, wear an over-sized, stretchy shirt.

You will change into a hospital gown prior to surgery. Do not wear jewelry of any kind including rings, body piercings, and watches. Do not wear pins or clips in your hair. If you wear a wig, you will be asked to remove it before surgery. If you wear dentures, you may leave them in. Do not wear contact lenses and instead wear your glasses. If you do not have glasses, bring your contact case and solution with you, so you can remove your contacts prior to surgery. Wear little or no make-up and no false eyelashes or nail polish.

Personal Belongings and Valuables

At time of registration, bring your driver’s license or ID, insurance card(s), any sling, brace, cold therapy unit, or CPAP (if you will be staying overnight).
Valuables: Whenever possible, leave valuables at home or give them to a family member or friend. Crystal Clinic does not accept responsibility for lost or misplaced items.
Medications: Please do NOT bring your own medications unless specifically directed to do so by one of our staff members.
Personal Items: We know that you may want to bring other personal items to make your stay more comfortable. We ask that you leave these additional belongings in your car. Your family or visitors may bring personal items to your room after your surgery is completed and you are settled in your room.

Length of Stay

Your time in the Recovery Area will depend on your type of surgery and anesthesia. Some anesthesia medications wear off faster than others and some patients wake up faster than others. Once our staff determines that you are awake enough, you will be discharged or transferred to your room in the hospital. Many different surgeries are performed at Crystal Clinic. Some surgical patients go home the very same day and others may spend one or more nights here with us. If you have a specific question about the usual length of stay for your type of surgery, please contact your surgeon’s office.

Drinking Liquids

Liquids will be available for you following surgery.

Informing Family

We will notify those waiting for you when you arrive in the Recovery Area and when you are able to have visitors.

Written Discharge Instructions

When you are ready for discharge, you will receive detailed written instructions. A nurse will review these instructions and answer your questions. These instructions will include specifics on activity, diet, medications, and follow-up as well as contact information for your surgeon.

Effects of Anesthesia

If you have received a general anesthetic or sedation, the medications and anesthetic you received will affect your body. Because these are still in your system for 24 hours after surgery, you cannot:

• Drive a car, or operate machinery or power tools
• Drink any alcoholic beverages, including wine and beer
• Make important legal decisions or sign important legal papers

You may experience side effects from medications or anesthetics used during surgery. This could include:

• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or sleepiness
• Mild nausea, which can usually be controlled by drinking carbonated beverages such as cola or ginger ale
• Scratchy throat, which can be relieved by using throat lozenges
• Headache, which can be relieved by lying down, drinking liquids, and taking pain medication
• Generalized muscle aches, which can be relieved by movement and taking pain medication

Side effects are usually minor and generally wear off within 24-48 hours. If you have any questions or concerns while you are staying with us, ask your nurse. Discharged patients should contact their surgeon’s office with questions. If you are unable to reach your surgeon or if you need immediate care, go to Crystal Clinic’s QuickCare Clinic, an urgent care, or the local emergency room.

Pain Control

Pain is an unfortunate part of the surgical process. Although pain medications will be useful in relieving pain after surgery, there are other pain-relief methods that can be effective in reducing your pain level.

Studies have shown that using relaxation techniques after surgery can be very beneficial to your recovery. Muscle tension caused by stress and anxiety can increase your pain, so allowing yourself to relax can release this tension and help you feel more calm and in control of your situation. It may take practice to learn which relaxation techniques are best for you. You may also find these exercises to be beneficial long after your recovery.

Your nurse can offer guidance in using these techniques, which include:

Music Therapy: Music therapy and distraction help take your mind off the pain. This includes reading a book, playing cards, watching television, laughing, talking to a friend or listening to music. Along with managing pain, music can help with relaxation. In the hospital, music can be found on channels 76 thru 83. Consider bringing headphones so you can listen to music on your smart phone or MP3 player. Download free apps that play relaxation music and sounds. You can also find books and CDs on relaxation exercises at your local library or bookstore.

Breathing Exercises: Breathing exercises usually start with focusing on your breathing, so you can become more relaxed. Start by putting yourself in a comfortable position. (Dimming the lights or being in a dark room can help.) Either shut your eyes or focus on a point. Slow down your breathing, taking slow, deep breaths. If your mind wanders, think of a two-syllable word, keeping in time with your breathing. As you breathe in, try to imagine you are breathing in peace. As you breathe out, imagine your tensions are being released. Continue for 2-3 minutes of controlled breathing.

Guided Imagery: Guided imagery and visualization distract your mind from stress and pain by focusing your attention on a peaceful place where you feel carefree and relaxed, such as the beach or mountains. Begin by making yourself comfortable, closing your eyes and taking deep, slow and full breaths. Think of your special place and imagine lying comfortably there.

To have a safe recovery from your surgery, all patients should observe the following instructions:

Diet for Outpatient Surgery Patients

Start with liquids such as juice or soft drinks (soda), then gelatin, soup and crackers, and gradually work up to solid foods.

Dressings

You may or may not go home with a dressing. If you have a dressing, keep your dressing or bandages clean and dry. Do not change the dressing unless you are instructed to do so by your surgeon. Pay close attention to your individualized dressing instructions.

Pain Control After Surgery

Pain control after surgery is important to your recovery. Pain medications will be prescribed after surgery. In addition to pain medication, there are non-drug pain relief methods that can be effective in reducing your pain level after surgery. Some of these methods, which are described in more detail on pages 16 and 17 include:

• Music therapy and distraction
• Breathing exercises
• Guided imagery and visualization
• Progressive muscle relaxation

Physical Agents

Cold Therapy

• Helpful throughout your post-operative period

Repositioning

• Staying in the same position for a prolonged time can cause you to become stiff and increase discomfort
• Try moving from bed to recliner to change positions
• Use pillows or blankets to reposition in bed

After your surgery, be sure to contact your surgeon if any of the following occur:

• Your bandages become soaked with blood. Do not remove the bandage, but place another dressing pad over it and call your doctor for further instructions.
• You have pain which is not relieved by pain medication.
• You have a temperature of 101ºF or above. You are not expected to have a fever, but if you feel warm after your surgery, take your temperature.
• You note any swelling, redness, drainage, increased bleeding or foul odor around the surgical site (wound area).
• You have persistent nausea and vomiting.
• There is excessive swelling following surgery in your arm, hand or leg.

• Your surgeon’s office will verify your insurance coverage and obtain authorization for your surgical procedure. However, we encourage you to become familiar with your healthcare benefits. Present your insurance forms and cards when you register. We require prepayment if you have no insurance coverage. We accept most major credit cards for prepayments and to pay the estimated portion of your bill upon discharge.
• A representative is available to discuss your financial needs if applicable
• To inquire about an estimate for your service, please call Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center Revenue Cycle
• Office: 330-668-4040, ext. 16050
• Hours of operation: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

You will receive more than one bill. These may include bills from:

1. Your Surgeon for his or her professional services.
2. Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center for use of the Operating Room, Recovery Room, surgical implants and nursing care. Please send payment to Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center
3. Anesthesia
   Please send payment to their billing company.
4. Laboratory or X-ray for pathology, lab, X-ray or other tests that may have been ordered by your surgeon.
5. Alteon Health for hospitalist care. Payment may be made online at quickpayportal.com or by contacting Alteon’s customer service at 800-397-0302.

Payment of these bills is your responsibility. However, we will assist in submitting insurance forms.