What to expect the day of surgery

When you arrive at the hospital

  • Go to the surgery registration area.
  • After you check in, you will be directed to the pre-surgery care area.

Pre-surgery care area

  • Go to the waiting room.
  • You will be brought back to a pre-surgery care suite.
  • A nurse will meet with you to complete your care plan.
  • After you are settled, the person with you on the day of surgery will be invited back to join you.
  • Your nurse will review what you can expect before and after your surgery.
  • Your anesthesiologist (doctor) will also meet with you. Your anesthesiologist and surgeon will work with you to choose the right type of anesthesia for your surgery.
  • Your surgeon will visit with you. He or she will mark the surgery site on your body and answer any questions you may have.
  • You will be asked to sign a consent form.

Information for your care circle

  • While you are in surgery and recovery, your care circle can wait in the surgery waiting room.
  • Your surgery time will vary depending on the type of surgery you are having. Your surgeon will talk with your care circle when your surgery is over.

Ask a member of your health care team if you have any questions about the activities to help prevent problems.

Source: Allina Health's Patient Education Department, Hip Replacement, eighth edition, ortho-ah-90139
First Published: 10/01/2000
Last Reviewed: 10/01/2020