10 Essential Steps To Take When Knee Surgery Is Tomorrow: Your Ultimate Pre-Op Checklist

The day before your knee surgery is a pivotal moment in your journey toward recovery, requiring a laser-focus on final preparations to ensure the procedure goes smoothly and safely. As of December 2025, surgical protocols are more precise than ever, emphasizing strict adherence to fasting guidelines, meticulous hygiene, and crucial medication adjustments, particularly for newer drugs.

Whether you are undergoing a Total Knee Replacement (TKR), ACL Reconstruction, or a simple Knee Arthroscopy, the 24 hours leading up to your operation are dedicated to minimizing infection risk and preparing your body for anesthesia. Missing a single step could lead to a delay or cancellation, so use this expert-curated, up-to-date checklist as your final guide to a successful outcome.

The Final Countdown: Your Day-Before Checklist

The day before your surgery is primarily about logistics, hygiene, and mental preparation. It's the time to confirm all details and create a calm environment for yourself.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

1. Confirm Your Arrival Time and NPO Instructions

You should receive a call from the hospital or surgical center to confirm your exact arrival time. This is also your final opportunity to verify the most critical instruction: the "Nil Per Os" (NPO) rule, meaning nothing by mouth.

• Fasting Rule: Do not eat or drink anything—including water, gum, or mints—after midnight the night before your surgery.
• Specific Liquids: Some surgeons may allow clear liquids (like a 20-ounce bottle of Gatorade G) up until a certain time (e.g., lunch or dinner the day before) to improve hydration, but this must be explicitly approved by your care team.

2. Perform Your Pre-Op Shower Routine

Infection prevention is paramount. Your surgeon likely provided a special antibacterial soap, such as Chlorhexidine (CHG). You must use this soap for a thorough wash the night before and again the morning of your surgery.

• Do Not Shave: Avoid shaving the surgical leg for at least 48 hours before the procedure, as this can create tiny cuts that increase the risk of infection.
• Remove All Jewelry: Take off all rings, earrings, piercings, and watches. Leave all valuables, including large amounts of money and jewelry, at home.

3. Pack Your Hospital Bag Strategically

A well-packed bag reduces stress. Focus on comfort and practicality for your hospital stay and discharge.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

• Clothing: Pack loose-fitting clothes, such as shorts, oversized sweatpants, or a large nightgown/dressing gown, that can easily fit over bandages and accommodate limited mobility.
• Essentials: Bring comfortable cotton socks, non-slip slippers, and personal toiletries.
• Medical Items: Include your walker or crutches (if you have them), all pre-surgery paperwork, and a list of all current medications (including herbal supplements).

Critical Medication and NPO Rules You Must Follow

Medication management is the most common reason for surgical delays. You must have clear instructions from your physician about what to stop and what to continue.

4. Stop All Blood Thinners and NSAIDs

Medications that thin the blood or increase bleeding risk must be stopped well in advance, typically 5 to 10 days before surgery.

• Blood Thinners: Stop medications like Warfarin (Coumadin), Xarelto, Eliquis, Plavix, and Pradaxa as directed by your surgeon.
• Anti-Inflammatories: Discontinue all Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve), and other anti-inflammatory pain relievers (except possibly Celebrex, if approved).
• Aspirin: Even low-dose aspirin is often stopped, but only under the explicit guidance of your surgeon or cardiologist.

5. The Latest Warning: GLP-1 Agonists

A crucial and recent update in orthopedic surgery protocols involves a class of diabetes and weight-loss drugs called Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy).

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

• New Protocol: A new study from March 2025 recommends stopping GLP-1 agonists 14 days before total joint arthroplasty (like TKR) to reduce anesthesia risks. These drugs can slow stomach emptying, which increases the risk of aspiration during general anesthesia.
• Action: If you take one of these medications, you must confirm with your surgeon that you have stopped it for the appropriate time frame.

6. Know Which Medications to Take

Certain essential medications, such as blood pressure or heart medications, are often allowed to be taken the morning of surgery with a small sip of water.

• The Rule: Only take medications that your surgical team specifically instructed you to take. All others must be held.

Preparing Your Body and Mind for a Successful Outcome

The final preparations extend beyond the physical to include mental and environmental steps that will significantly impact your recovery.

7. Complete Your Home Safety Check

Your recovery begins the moment you return home. The day before surgery, finalize all preparations to prevent falls, which can be catastrophic after knee surgery.

• Remove Trip Hazards: Secure or remove all loose rugs, electrical cords, and clutter from walking paths.
• Accessibility: Move essential items (food, phone, remote controls) to counter height or within easy reach to minimize bending and reaching.

8. Practice Pre-Op Exercises

If your physical therapist or surgeon prescribed pre-operative exercises, such as ankle pumps, thigh squeezes, or leg slides, continue these on the day before.

• The Benefit: Strengthening the muscles around the knee and improving circulation beforehand can significantly aid in post-operative recovery and help prevent complications like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

9. Arrange Your Post-Surgery Support

Confirm the logistics for the next 48 hours. Ensure you have a responsible adult who can drive you home from the hospital and stay with you for the first 24 hours after discharge. This is mandatory for safety and pain management.

10. Prioritize Rest and Mental Calmness

Anxiety is natural, but a good night’s sleep is crucial. Avoid caffeine and heavy meals late in the evening.

• Relaxation: Practice deep breathing or meditation. Trust that you have done all the necessary preparation and that your care team is ready for you.
• Final Questions: Write down any last-minute questions to ask the nurse or anesthesiologist in the pre-op area.

By following this comprehensive checklist, you are taking proactive steps to minimize risks, streamline the surgical process, and set the stage for a rapid and successful return to mobility. Focus on the positive outcome and trust the process of your orthopedic surgeon and the surgical team.