Preparing for Surgery
Arrival time: Most of Dr. Williams' procedures are performed at an ambulatory surgery center. You will be asked to arrive at the surgery center 1-2 hours prior to your procedure, depending on the type of anesthesia that will be used. You will be given an exact arrival time when your procedure is scheduled. Due to circumstances beyond our control, it is possible your arrival time may change up to the day before your procedure, though we avoid this whenever possible.
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Food and drink: If your procedure is being done under local only anesthesia, you can eat or drink whatever you like beforehand. If you will be having general anesthesia, you will be asked to stop eating and drinking 8 hours prior to your procedure's scheduled start time, with the exception of clear liquids, which you must stop 3 hours prior to your procedure's scheduled start time. The surgery center will give you specific instructions on whether you should or should not take your usual medications on the day of your procedure.
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How long will my surgery take? Surgery times vary based on procedure. The surgery scheduler and surgery center staff will provide an estimate, but sometimes procedures take shorter or longer than planned. Similarly, it is possible that your procedure will start earlier or later than scheduled. We suggest you bring a book, tablet, or companion with you on your day of procedure as the wait before surgery is variable. Please arrive on time.
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How long after surgery can I leave? If your procedure is being done under local only anesthesia, the nurses will review the discharge instructions with you immediately after your procedure, and then you are free to leave. If you will be having general anesthesia, expect to spend 30 minutes to an hour recovering before you are ready to go home.
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When do I follow-up with the doctor? Most patients see Dr. Williams 5 days to 3 weeks after their procedure. Depending on the procedure performed, we may also recommend you see a hand therapist. Your appointments with Dr. Williams and, if needed, a hand therapist will be scheduled for you when you schedule your procedure.
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Do I need someone to come with me? If you are having your procedure done under local anesthesia only, you are not required to have a driver. However, the surgical area will be bandaged and numb after the procedure, so some patients prefer to have someone else drive. We leave this to your discretion. If you are having general anesthesia, you are required to have a friend or family member drive you home. Unfortunately, an Uber, Lyft, or taxi driver is not sufficient.
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What will I need at home after my procedure?
Medication: Tylenol and Ibuprofen if you have no medical contraindication
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· If you are not sure if these medications are safe for you, please ask your primary care physician
A cast cover or plastic bags and duct tape to cover the surgical area while you shower (unless you are having shoulder surgery)
· Depending on your surgery, you may be able to get the surgical area wet in the shower starting on the third day after your procedure, or you may have to keep it dry and covered in the shower for longer
If you will be changing your own dressing after surgery, dressing supplies
· Minor finger and hand procedures: Bandaids plus self-adhesive wrap (e.g. one or two inch 3M Coban wrap).
If you are having shoulder surgery:
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· Full strength (325 mg) aspirin tablets
· For the first several weeks after surgery, you will want to sleep in a semi-reclined position. For most, a recliner is the most comfortable option. You can also sleep on a couch or bed with pillows behind your back or on a foam sleeping wedge.
· A cold therapy machine such as those made by Breg, Iceman, and Donjoy is very helpful
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When can I pick up my pain medication after my procedure? Prescription pain medication is not necessary after many of the procedures that Dr. Williams performs. If you will be requiring a prescription, Dr. WIlliams will send it electronically to the pharmacy on file with our office on the day of surgery. If you need to make a change to the pharmacy on file, please do so before the day of surgery. Pain medication prescriptions cannot be transferred between pharmacies. If your surgery is scheduled towards the end of the day, make sure your preferred pharmacy is open late.
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Can I get my disability or or work release paperwork done on the day of surgery? Disability and work release paperwork is completed by Dr. Williams' office, not the surgery center. If you need this completed by the day of surgery, please arrange this with Dr. Williams' office ahead of time.
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Anything else? Depending on your procedure, you may have limited use of your hand and arm afterwards. If you do not have help at home, it can be helpful to do tasks such as preparing meals, taking out the garbage, and buying groceries ahead of time so that you can rest more easily after surgery.
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