Preparing for Surgery | Pre-Operative Patient Checklist

1. Medical Clearance & Medication Adjustments

5 to 7 days before your scheduled surgery

Routine Tests: Complete your blood work (CBC, blood sugar/HbA1c, kidney & liver profile, coagulation), ECG, and chest X-ray as advised.
Infection Screening: Inform us immediately if you have any dental pain, burning urination, skin boils, or fever—elective joint replacement requires the body to be completely free of active infection.

Blood Thinners (Aspirin / Clopidogrel / Ecosprin / Warfarin): Must typically be paused 5–7 days before surgery after confirming with your doctor.
Blood Pressure & Thyroid Tablets: Continue your morning BP or thyroid medicine on the day of surgery with a tiny sip of water unless instructed otherwise.
Diabetes Medications: Morning insulin or sugar tablets are usually held on the morning of surgery while fasting.

Fasting rules, skin hygiene, and hospital essentials

Fasting (NPO) Rule: Do not eat solid food or drink milk/tea/water for at least 6–8 hours before your scheduled surgery time.
Antiseptic Bath: Take a thorough bath the evening before and morning of surgery; remove nail polish, jewelry, rings, and bangles.
Do Not Shave the Surgical Site Yourself: Tiny razor nicks increase skin infection risk—hospital staff will clip hair safely right before the procedure.

All Medical Records: Previous X-rays, MRI films/CDs, blood reports, and your current medication strips.
ID & Insurance / Health Cards: Government ID, Ayushman Bharat / ECHS / TPA insurance cards if applicable.
Loose, Comfortable Clothing: Front-button shirts and wide-legged shorts or loose lower wear that fits easily over a knee brace or dressing.
Non-Slip Closed Footwear: Flat, supportive slip-on shoes with a back strap for walking with the physiotherapist.

Simple changes at home that prevent slips and make walking easy

Step 1

Remove loose floor rugs, footmats, and electrical cords along the path between your bed and the bathroom so your walker glides unobstructed.

Step 2

Set up a ground-floor bedroom if possible. Ensure your bed and favorite armchair are firm and high enough that your knees stay below hip level.

Step 3

Keep a standard folding walker, commode raiser (if needed), and two reusable gel ice packs ready at home before admission.