Prior to your surgery, your healthcare provider will ask about any allergies you have, such as to iodine or latex. You should also give your healthcare provider a list of all medications you take -- both prescription and non-prescription. You may have to stop taking these prior to surgery. You will also be asked not to eat or drink anything for eight hours before your total hip replacement surgery.

What to Expect Leading Up to Total Hip Replacement Surgery

There are many important steps to take before even starting your total hip replacement surgery. Before the surgery, you and your doctor will discuss your medical history and any other current medical conditions you have, including allergies. Make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you have allergies to latex, iodine, Betadine^®, seafood, soybeans, or any medications, such as penicillin.

 

Also, let your doctor know beforehand if you are currently taking aspirin, blood-thinners, pain medicine like Motrin^® or Advil^®, or other prescription medications. You may need to stop taking these at least seven days before the hip replacement surgery. Therefore, it is always helpful to have a list of your medications with you.

 

If you have any other significant medical problems, you may also undergo other tests and be examined by other doctors to make sure that these conditions are under control before your surgery. You may be asked to donate blood. During or after the operation you may need a transfusion, and your own blood is the safest blood to receive.

 

You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before your hip replacement surgery, and, in certain cases, you may even be required to stay in the hospital the night before surgery. This surgery is performed on an inpatient basis, meaning that you will stay in the hospital after surgery as well. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions about where and when to arrive at the medical facility, how to prepare for your surgery, and what to expect the day of and the days following your surgery. The average hospital stay is three to seven days.