A Patient's Guide to Surgery

7 Days before Surgery:

  • If needed, set up pre-operative physical with your primary care physician.
  • STOP taking aspirin products ONLY if directed by primary physician or surgeon. Patients with a history of heart disease or stroke may benefit from continuing with low dose aspirin therapy.
  • If you are on Coumadin (warfarin) make sure and check with your primary care physician to see when you should stop taking it.
  • STOP taking all herbal supplements.
  • Tylenol for pain may be taken as directed.
  • If you are a smoker or chew tobacco, stop smoking or chewing.
  • STOP taking all anti-inflammatory medications.

1-2 Days before Surgery:

  • A member of the staff will call you a few days before your surgery in order to confirm your appointment, complete a pre-operative questionnaire, and answer any questions you may have. Please make sure and have the following information available for this phone call:
    • Current medications and dosages
    • Allergies
    • Past surgical history
  • If the patient is a child, please remember:
    • One or both parents (or guardians) must remain at the facility while the child is there.
    • A parent (or guardian) must sign the Operative Consent Form for surgery if the child is under 18 years of age.
    • Guardians must bring written proof of guardianship on the day of surgery; without this documentation, surgery may be delayed.
  • If you have young children, arrange for care of them for 24 hours following surgery, as you could feel drowsy for that period of time.

The Day before Surgery:

  • Eat breakfast and lunch as you would normally do.
  • Eat a light evening meal.
  • Do not eat after 12:00 midnight. This includes water. It also includes hard candy, gum, or prescription medications (unless ordered by your doctor).
  • Take a shower the night before your surgery using an antibacterial liquid soap (such as Dial). After your shower, dry your body with a freshly laundered towel and dress in freshly laundered items to reduce the chance of getting
  • bacteria on the skin and to prevent infections.
  • Refrain from smoking after midnight on the day before your surgery.

The Day of Surgery:

  • Pre-operative Medication Instructions Prior to Your Procedure:
    • If you have diabetes and are on medication, take your medication and/or insulin as directed by the pre-operative nurse or as directed by your physician.
    • If you are on asthma medication use it as directed and bring your inhaler with you.
    • If you are on other prescription medications, take your medications as directed by the pre-operative nurse or as directed by your physician.
  • If you want, you may take a shower the morning of your surgery using an antibacterial liquid soap (such as Dial). Use a freshly laundered towel to dry off and dress in freshly laundered clothing.
  • Teeth may be brushed but DO NOT swallow any water.
  • Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing (sweats, shorts, t-shirts, etc.), and flat shoes. If you are having a shoulder surgery please wear a button or zip up shirt.
  • Do not wear makeup, nail polish, perfume, jewelry, or body piercings.
  • Bring your advance medical directive, if you have one,
  • Bring clothing if you will need to stay overnight.
  • Bring your glasses and/ or contact case
  • Bring your insurance card and prescription card.
  • You will also need to bring your driver’s license, and any special referral forms that are needed by your insurance company.
  • We encourage you to leave all valuables at home.
  • If your child is scheduled for surgery, we encourage you to bring his or her favorite toy for extra comfort.
  • Children may be brought in wearing their pajamas. Please bring an empty bottle or tippy cup if your child cannot drink from a regular cup. Bring formula as a second choice if juice is not preferred.
  • Please leave children not having surgery at home.
  • If you are on medication, please bring a list of your prescriptions with you, along with the dosages.

When You Arrive at the Facility:

  • Park in the main parking lot.
  • Enter the facility through the main entrance.
  • Proceed to the registration area and check-in.
  • Proceed as directed to the surgical waiting area. Family members or friends will wait in this area during the surgery.

The Procedure Itself:

  • Anesthesia:
    • Anesthesia services are provided by anesthesiologists highly qualified on all aspects of inpatient/ outpatient anesthesia. Your anesthesiologist will evaluate you before surgery and answer any questions you may have. Be sure to talk to your anesthesiologist about any medications you are currently taking, even over-the-counter drugs.
    • The appropriate type of anesthesia will be determined by your surgeon in consultation with the anesthesiologist.
  • Recovery:
    • Immediately following surgery, you will be taken to our fully-equipped recovery room where your blood pressure and pulse will be closely monitored by specially trained nurses.
    • The amount of time you spend in recovery depends to a great degree on the type of surgery and/ or anesthesia you had. Some patients spend as little as ½ hour in the recovery room area; others spend 3 hours or more.
    • While you are in the recovery room, your surgeon will go and talk to your family and inform them of how the surgery went and give any special instructions.
  • After Surgery:
    • For your safety and well-being, you must have an adult family member or friend drive you home after surgery. We cannot permit you to leave unescorted.
    • The medical staff will discharge you when they are assured you are in stable condition. HOWEVER, you could still feel sleepy, slightly dizzy, or nauseated. These are possible (and normal) side effects of anesthesia and can last for 12-24 hours.
    • Once you are home, it is very important for you to continue to recover by resting and following your surgeon’s orders.
  • Transportation:
    • For your safety and protection, you will not be allowed to drive a motor vehicle. Please arrange for a responsible person to remain at the facility during surgery, to drive you home, and to stay with you the first night at home following surgery.
    • If the patient is a child, it is best to have someone along with the driver to help care for the child on the trip home.

At Home after Surgery:

  • We suggest that you eat lightly for the first 24 hours after your procedure. Be sure to follow any specific post-operative instructions your doctor gives you regarding diet, rest, activities and medication. The facility will provide you with a written summary of these instructions.
  • Dizziness and nausea are normal after receiving an anesthetic; therefore, you should wait 24 hours after returning home before:
    • Driving or operating equipment
    • Signing important papers
    • Making significant decisions
    • Drinking alcoholic beverages
    • Taking any medications not prescribed or acknowledged by your surgeon
  • We recommend you have someone to care for you up to 24 hours after your procedure.
  • If at any time you are having problems and would like to speak with a doctor or nurse, please call Northern Orthopedics during regular business hours Monday – Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm at 829-7812 or toll free at 1-888-829-7812 or after hours at 218-828-7100.

Changes in your health prior to surgery:

If, for any reason, you cannot keep your scheduled appointment for surgery or if you notice any of the following conditions please contact us immediately at 824-5148 or toll free at 1-888-829-7812 ext. 223:

  • You suspect that you are pregnant
  • If you have a change in your health such as cough, fever, or a cold

Cancellations:

If for any reason you need to cancel your surgery please contact us at 824-5148 or toll free at 1-888-829-7812 ext. 223. You may leave a message.

If you have any questions:

We want you to feel comfortable and informed about your surgery, and would like your experience with us to be as pleasant as possible. Please feel free to call us anytime if you have any questions or concerns. We also welcome your comments and suggestions about your experience with us. Our phone number is 824-5148 or toll free at 1-888-829-7812 ext. 223.

Meet our Specialists

Christopher M. Metz, MD

Originally from the Twin Cities, Dr. Metz came on board in 1998 following his studies at the University of Minnesota and residency at the University of Michigan.

Robert L. Brown, MD

Dr. Brown grew up in Minnetonka, studied at the University of Minnesota and completed his orthopedic residency at the prestigious Mayo Clinic. He joined Northern Orthopedics in 1986.

Paul D. Thompson, MD

Alexandria, Minnesota was Dr. Thompson's hometown before studying at the University of North Dakota. He joined Northern Orthopedics in 2001 following his residency in Michigan.

Benjamin D. Robertson, MD

Studies at the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Oslo [Norway] Medical School led Dr. Robertson to completion of his residency at the University of Minnesota. He joined Northern Orthopedics in 2007.

Amy E. Lelwica, MD

Dr. Lelwica grew up right here in Brainerd, MN and has practiced at Northern Orthopedics since 2008. Prior to that, she studied at the University of Minnesota and completed her orthopedic residency there too.

Paul T. Rud, MD

After graduating from the University of Minnesota and Finishing his residency in Michigan, Minnesotanative Dr. Rud joined the Northern Orthopedics team in 1993.

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