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Surgery Preparation | Dr. Nathaniel Stewart
Patient Resources

Surgery Preparation

Prepare for orthopedic hip or knee surgery with clear next steps for scheduling, medical clearance, medication holds, joint camp, physical therapy, and when to call the office.

Preparing for Orthopedic Surgery

What Happens After You Are a Surgical Candidate

Once you have been seen and evaluated by Dr. Stewart and are considered a candidate for surgery, you will meet with one of the surgery schedulers to set up a date for surgery.

Dr. Stewart performs orthopedic surgery at Cedar Crest Surgery Center and OakLeaf Surgical Hospital. Cedar Crest Surgery Center is used for outpatient, same-day surgery, while OakLeaf Surgical Hospital is used for overnight-stay surgery when appropriate. If you have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease, Dr. Stewart will discuss the safest surgical setting with you at your appointment.

Medications to Avoid Before Surgery
Review the full medication list and timing for medications that must be stopped before joint surgery.
Open Form
Pre-Operative Patient Instructions
Open the two-page pre-operative instruction handout for surgery timing, facility details, cleansing, supplies, and day-before reminders.
Open PDF
Video Resource

Joint Replacement Preparation Video

Watch on this page Review this before surgery to understand what to expect.
Preparation Timeline

Your Preoperative Steps

1
Schedule Your Surgery
After Dr. Stewart confirms you are a candidate for surgery, a surgery scheduler will help set your surgery date and begin the preparation process.
2
Complete Medical Clearance
You will see your primary care provider 1 to 2 weeks before surgery for a preoperative physical examination to confirm you are medically fit for orthopedic surgery.
3
Follow Food and Medication Instructions
You will not be able to eat or drink anything after midnight the day before surgery. Certain medications must be stopped before surgery, including aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or Aleve, and anticoagulants.
4
Review Hospital Information
You will receive a packet of information from the hospital where your surgery will take place. This packet will explain the surgical preparation process in more detail.
Joint Replacement Preparation

Hip and Knee Surgery Resources

If you are scheduled for a hip or knee replacement, additional preparation helps you understand the surgery and recovery process before the day of your procedure.

Joint Camp

OakLeaf Surgical Hospital offers joint camp for patients before surgery. These classes review joint surgery, recovery, and assistive devices you may need after hip or knee surgery.

Preoperative Physical Therapy

Patients undergoing joint replacement are sent to preoperative physical therapy to learn exercises they will perform after surgery and to assess helpful equipment for home.

Home Equipment Planning

Physical therapists can help determine which assistive devices or medical equipment may be useful once you are discharged from the hospital.

Medication Review

Your primary care provider will also review which medications you can and cannot take before surgery during your preoperative physical examination.

Class Resource

OakLeaf Surgical Hospital Joint Ventures Class

Open the OakLeaf Surgical Hospital joint class resource for additional education before joint replacement surgery.

Open Class Resource
When to Call

Tell Us About Illness or Antibiotic Use

If you become sick or have any medical condition requiring antibiotic use within 2 weeks of your surgery, contact the office immediately. If you are placed on antibiotics or are ill, your surgery may need to be postponed until you have recovered.

Questions before surgery? Please call the office with medication, illness, preparation, hospital, or recovery questions. The team is happy to help.

Surgical Specialties

Learn About Dr. Stewart's Surgical Specialties

As industry leaders, Dr. Stewart and his team help patients return to active lives through advanced orthopedic procedures and focused recovery planning.

Knee Surgery

Knee Arthroscopy

A minimally invasive knee procedure used to evaluate and treat select meniscus, cartilage, and joint problems through small incisions.

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Knee Replacement

Mako Robotic Total Knee Replacement

Robotic-assisted knee replacement helps Dr. Stewart plan and position implants with precision for patients with advanced knee arthritis.

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Hip Preservation

Hip Arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy helps evaluate and treat select hip conditions through small incisions, with care planning tailored to each patient.

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Hip Care

Hip Arthroplasty

Hip arthroplasty is one of Dr. Stewart's core strengths in orthopedic surgery, helping patients move more comfortably and recover confidence.

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Surgery Preparation

Need Help Before Surgery?

Dr. Stewart and his team can answer preparation, medication, hospital, and recovery questions before your procedure.

Call the Office