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The Day of Surgery

Remember, DO NOT eat or take any medications that have not been specified by your personal physician.

You will be notified when to arrive at Sanford USD Medical Center – located at 18^th and Grange – you are encouraged to use valet parking between the hours of 5:30 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Stop at the Registration Desk to verify information. You will then be escorted to the AM Admission department to prepare for your procedure.

When you leave for your procedure, your family will be escorted to the family waiting area and will be greeted by a volunteer. An Operating Room nurse will call the waiting area periodically with the progress of your surgical procedure. Your family should be in the waiting room at the anticipated end of surgery so the physician can visit with them after the procedure.

Your Recovery

The most common issues are addressed here; but if you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask your caregiver.

Frequently Asked questions

What are the major risks of surgery?

Serious blood clots (embolus)

Pneumonia

Infection of the joint

Most surgeries go very well, without any complications. Your physician and the care team will be monitoring you after surgery.

How long will I be in the hospital?

Three days

Will I be able to go home alone?

A Case Manager will be available to help you with your plans for after you leave the hospital.

You will need to have assistance at home after your surgery. A Home Health Nurse or other professionals that may be able to help you.

You may need to stay at a sub acute facility.

Do I need to be put to sleep for this surgery?

This is a question that you will discuss with both your Orthopedic Surgeon and the Anesthesiologist to determine which type of anesthesia is best for you.

General anesthetic is what most people call "being put to sleep."

A spinal or epidural anesthetic numbs your legs only. During a spinal anesthetic, you will be deeply sedated and unaware of the procedure being performed. Both types of anesthesia will be comfortable, and you will not feel pain.

Will I have pain?

All patients have discomfort after surgery. Please review your Pain Booklet.

You will have access to medication for pain during your hospital stay. You will be frequently asked to rate your pain on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the worst). We will also ask that you share your comfort goal with us.

You may be on a PCA (patient controlled analgesia) pump which allows you to administer an intravenous dosing of a pain reliever. Other methods to give pain relief medications are orally/by mouth or by IM injections into the muscle. Your physician will determine which type is best for your procedure.

You must notify your nurse if your pain is not controlled by the medications we are using.

When you begin physical therapy, you should ask for pain pills a ½ hour before your session.

Our goal is your comfort during your stay with us.

What kind of equipment will I need at home?

Walker or crutches and a raised toilet seat. Your therapist will discuss options/assist you in getting this equipment.

Will I have any problems breathing?

To be sure your lungs remain clear, you must breathe deeply and cough every hour while you are awake.

When can I start eating?

Your diet will progress from clear liquids to your normal diet, as you are able to tolerate it.

How will I be able to get to the bathroom?

For the first few hours after surgery, you will use a bedpan or urinal.

If you are unable to urinate, a catheter will be inserted.

You will progress to walking to the bathroom with the assistance of a walker or crutches.

What kind of activity will I be doing and how often?

As soon as possible, you will start a walking and exercise program. You will attend Physical Therapy for exercises and walking instructions twice a day. You will use a walker or crutches. As you gain independence, you will be expected to walk in the hallway 2-3 times a day.

You will be able to sit in a chair 2-3 times a day and for meals.

In Occupational Therapy, you will learn to get dressed safely with the assistance of special equipment. You will also learn how to put on your elastic stockings, which you will continue to wear at home.

When can I go home?

Within 3 days after surgery, you may be discharged from the hospital. You will leave with any prescriptions you need, a return appointment date to see your physician, and activity and exercise instructions.

Get in and out of bed and a chair independently.

Walk independently using crutches or a walker.

Arrangements can be made for a home health care provider, homemaker service, or Meals on Wheels, where available.

Arrangements can be made for a temporary stay in a local hospital or nursing home until you are independent enough to go to your own home.

You may qualify for evaluation for the Sanford Rehabilitation Unit.

The NORTH (Neurology, Orthopedic, Rehabilitation, Team Healing) Center located on the Sanford Health campus is available for your outpatient therapy needs or you may choose a location of your choice. Your physician will determine if outpatient therapy is needed. The Case Managers will assist in setting up these appointments.

Preparing For Discharge

Plan for an 11 am discharge, we will assist you with your discharge process at this time. The 11 am departure will enable you to travel home during daylight hours and is especially helpful if you have a distance to travel.

Prior to discharge, the following criteria must be met:

Your physician(s) need(s) to write discharge orders for you.

Home instruction must be completed by your care team.

Prescriptions may need to be ordered (you may take your prescriptions to a pharmacy of your choice or have them filled at Lewis Family Pharmacy.)

Billing Procedure

Financial Consultants are available on the unit to answer your financial questions or concerns during your hospital stay. Please contact them through your nurse or by calling 605-328-5190.

Approximately 10 days after your discharge, you will receive a summary statement of your hospital charges. At that time, your secondary payer such as Medicare or private insurance carrier will be billed. Charges will vary depending on the services. You will then receive monthly statements advising you on the status of your bill.

Our charges are for hospital-rendered services only. You will be billed separately by the physicians who have worked with you, such as surgeons, radiologists and anesthesiologists, as well as your own primary physician. In addition, independent laboratories and other professional services may bill you.

As a courtesy to our patients, we will submit all Medicare, insurance and other third party claims. All balances are considered due at the time of discharge. Please remember that your are responsible for the balance of your bill regardless of insurance payments. If you have questions, please feel free to call the Business Office at 605-328-6585.

When to Call the Doctor?

Notify your physician if:

You have increased pain, redness, drainage, odor, or swelling in the incision.

An elevated temperature over 100.4°.

Any shortness of breath or pain in your calves or chest.

Helpful Help Tips

Use a walker or crutches until your physician instructs otherwise.

Remember to bear weight on your hips as instructed by your physical therapist.

Continue to exercise, as instructed.

Do not drive until your physician gives approval.

You may need to wear your elastic stockings during the day to prevent swelling and blood clots. You will need assistance or special equipment to put on and take off the elastic stockings.

For any surgery or dental work occurring after your hip replacement, you will need antibiotics to prevent infection.

Ask your physician for an airport card.

Back on Track

A total hip replacement can relieve your pain and stiffness and return you to most of the activities you enjoy. With your new hip in place, you can look forward to many active years.

For more information about the Center for Joint Success please call 605-328-5397.