What to Expect on the Day of Surgery

Thank you for choosing OrthoNebraska for your upcoming procedure. We hope this short video tour of the hospital will help you feel prepared for what to expect on surgery day.

OrthoNebraska prides itself on providing personalized care, so please note that some of these details may be modified to fit your specific needs, procedure type, or surgeon.

OrthoNebraska Hospital is a large, tan brick building located on the southeast corner of 144th and Center. You are welcome to be dropped off at the door, and there is plenty of parking nearby.

Here’s where you arrive to check in, typically a few hours before your procedure, but you will receive specific instructions during your pre-surgery phone call.

After filling out any remaining paperwork, we’ll bring you back to a private bay in pre-op. This is where we will review your health history and give you any medications that you might need prior to surgery.

You’ll meet with your surgeon and your anesthesiologist, who can help answer any questions you might have. You’ll also meet with physical therapy, who will help you learn how to accomplish daily tasks with the limitations that you’ll have after surgery.

Once the anesthesia team clears you for surgery, you’ll be brought back to one of our 12 ORs.

If you’re having an injection or procedure with a local anesthetic, you may be brought back to one of our four treatment rooms. Unlike other procedures, you’ll remain in this room for your entire visit.

Our lobby has a digital board that tracks your status, so your family members can plan their time accordingly. We also have a nurse liaison who can help provide updates as needed.

If your family chooses to stay during your surgery, they can watch TV and use our public Wi-Fi. We also have a café where they can get something to eat and drink.

After surgery, you’ll be brought to the recovery room while the anesthesia wears off. We’ll administer medications and do what we can to help get you comfortable. On average, patients will spend about an hour to an hour and a half in this area.

If you’re staying the night or here for an extended stay, such as a same-day joint replacement, you’ll be brought up to the second floor.

Finally, we’ll help prepare you to head home safely. We’ll help set you up, get you something light to eat, bring your family back, and review your medications and discharge instructions to help you recover comfortably at home.

When you’re ready to go home, your family member will pick you up at the door and we’ll get you on your way.

We’ll give you a follow-up call to see how your recovery is going at home and help answer any questions you might have.

Again, thank you for choosing OrthoNebraska. We look forward to seeing you.