Introduction

The week before your joint replacement surgery will be a busy time. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions in the week leading up to your surgery.

Your doctor will instruct you not to eat or drink anything after midnight, or for a specific amount of time before your surgery. This is done, so your stomach is completely emptied before you are given anesthesia. In rare cases, vomiting may occur under anesthesia running the risk that stomach juices may be inhaled into your lungs (which is referred to as "aspirating").

"Nothing" includes gum, mints, cough drops, hard candy, coffee, tea - even water.

Your doctor may make an exception to the "no food or drink" ruling if you are taking certain medications. You may be allowed to take those medications with a small sip of water in the morning before your surgery. Discuss your medications with your surgeon in detail prior to surgery day.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends joint replacement patients bathe the night before surgery. Some surgeons ask patients to take a second shower or sponge bath the morning before surgery and may provide special antiseptic soap and/or brushes to use. Check with your surgeon. If you are allergic to any kind of soap or iodine, which may be in the antiseptic scrub used in the operating room to sterilize the incision site, tell your doctor.

The AAOS does not recommend shaving in this case. For women, a good rule of thumb is not to shave legs (or underarms, if surgery is for shoulder or elbow replacement) for at least two days before surgery. Any necessary shaving will be done at the hospital prior to surgery.