For Our Patients
Preparing For Surgery
A step-by-step guide to help you feel confident and ready for your procedure with Dr. Andrew Federer.
The Process
From Clinic Visit to Surgery Day
We sign patients up for surgery after they have met with our team in clinic. At that time, we will provide you with contact information for our surgery schedulers. Based on your insurance and the type of surgery, you'll have the option of having surgery with Dr. Federer at several different locations.
Prior to Surgery
A Week-By-Week Checklist
Follow these milestones in the days leading up to your procedure so everything is ready when you arrive.
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1
One Week Prior
Pre-Surgery Testing & Medication Review
- If you take many prescription or OTC medications, or have multiple allergies, contact the Pre-Surgery Testing (PST) nurse so additional testing can be arranged.
- The PST nurse will confirm which medications you may take the morning of your procedure.
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2
Four Days Prior
Stop Blood-Thinning Medications
- Discontinue aspirin, ibuprofen, coumadin, fish oil, and similar blood thinners.
- If any are prescribed, contact your prescribing physician before stopping to coordinate care.
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3
Two Days Prior
Arrange Your Ride & Recovery Vehicle
- You are required to have someone drive you home after surgery.
- Consider the body part being operated on — choose a vehicle with enough space for crutches, slings, or immobilizers.
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4
Night Before
Nothing to Eat or Drink After Midnight
- DO NOT eat, drink, or chew anything — including water and gum — after midnight.
- You may brush your teeth, but do not swallow the water.
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5
Day of Surgery
Final Preparations
- Do not eat or drink anything the morning of your procedure.
- Skip make-up, creams, lotions, and deodorant unless directed otherwise.
- Bring your insurance card; leave watches and jewelry at home.
- Bring crutches if required — most local pharmacies rent them.
- Any prescribed brace or sling will be provided at the surgical facility.
Medications
What to Stop and What's Safe
Stop Prior to Surgery
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
- Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox)
- Diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam)
- Indomethacin (Indocin)
- Etodolac (Lodine)
- Flurbiprofen (Ansaid)
- Ketoprofen (Orudis, Oruvail)
- Nabumetone (Relafen)
- Oxaprozin (Daypro)
- Piroxicam (Feldene)
- Salsalate (Disalcid)
- Sulindac (Clinoril)
- Meloxicam (Mobic)
- Fish Oil (Omega 3)
- Celebrex (Celecoxib)
- Vitamin E
- CoQ10
- Aspirin* (Fiorinal, Norgesic, Soma, Ascriptin, Robaxisal)
*If aspirin was prescribed for you, contact your prescribing doctor before stopping. If you take aspirin preventatively without a prescription, discontinue 7–10 days prior to surgery.
It's Okay to Take
- Tylenol or Acetaminophen
- NSAIDs after surgery (ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Naproxen, etc.) only if cleared
- DMARDS for autoimmune conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis
If you take Coumadin, Eliquis, Plavix, Pradaxa, Xarelto, or other blood thinners, contact your prescribing doctor before your pre-operative appointment or surgery date.
After Surgery
Ice for Pain & Swelling
Dr. Federer recommends icing after surgery to help manage and resolve pain and swelling. Options range from high-tech motorized units to simple ice bags.
- Plan to ice almost continuously for the first 48 hours after surgery and through the first week.
- Always use a fabric barrier — a t-shirt or towel — between your skin and the ice device.
- Bring your ice device to surgery or confirm delivery to the facility; we'll put it on as you wake up.
- Even with an ice machine, plan to supplement with store-bought ice bags at home.
- Ice machines are not typically covered by insurance — costs are the patient's responsibility.
- If using ice bags only, keep multiple on hand to ice the surgical site continuously.
Ice Machine Options
NICE
Motorized unit with compression and cold therapy — uses water, no ice required.
ICEMAN by DonJoy
Motorized ice chest with cold therapy sleeve.
GAMEREADY
Motorized unit with both compression and cold therapy.
POLARCARE by Breg
Motorized ice chest with cold therapy sleeve.
Contact our office to discuss current pricing for any of these options.
Surgery-Specific Instructions
We'll Call You One to Two Weeks Before
Our team coordinates everything ahead of time — including your post-operative appointment, physical therapy, and pain management plan.
Recommended to Have at Home
- Tylenol — for use as an alternative as your pain lessens.
- Over-the-counter stool softener.
- Over-the-counter laxative in case of medication-related constipation.