Preparing for Surgery

Medical clearance

Your primary care physician — as well as another specialist if indicated — will confirm you are ready for surgery and that it is safe. This is required for your health and safety as these are our top priorities as our patient. Clearance may be obtained through HSS or your personal primary care office. Medical clearance must be obtained within 30 days of surgery. If your primary care doctor requires additional screening after the initial evaluation, it is your responsibility to obtain this testing prior to proceeding with surgery to avoid cancellations or delays. Preoperative clearance documents must be received by our office 7 days prior to surgery.  If you have any questions regarding this, please contact our office at 646.885.5950.

Postoperative medications

Prior to surgery, one of Dr. Kunze's physician assistants will call you to confirm your pharmacy and discuss your post-operative medications. We will take time during this phone call to answer any questions that you may have regarding the specific medications being prescribed for your upcoming surgery. Post-operative medications may vary due to a number of factors but in general you may be asked to take a blood thinner (typically Aspirin) to help mitigate the risk of blood clots following surgery. We also prescribe you medications to ensure we control your pain postoperatively. This generally includes a combination of Norco that we recommend taking as needed to help control your post-operative pain and an anti-inflammatory. Usually, our patients are beginning to discontinue use of the narcotic medication after 3-4 days following their surgery, depending on the type of procedure that was performed. A anti-nausea medication called Zofran can also be prescribed to help alleviate post-operative nausea if needed. Finally, a stool softener will be prescribed if needed while you are taking Norco. 

Post-operative medications will be sent prior to surgery. Although you do not need to begin any of the medications before your surgery, we recommend that you pick up the medications prior to surgery day in order to ease your stress on the day of your procedure and avoid delays in receiving your medication in the event that your pharmacy is closed when you are discharged from the surgery center.

Prehabilitation and Post-op Rehabiliation

Targeted strengthening and range-of-motion work before surgery consistently shortens recovery. If prehab is appropriate for you, a protocol will be prescribed. Make sure that you have your first physical therapy scheduled for after surgery.

Home setup

Arrange help for the first week, clear walking paths, and place frequently used items at waist height. If you will use crutches or a walker, practice on stairs beforehand.

Time off and transportation

Confirm your leave from work and arrange a ride home — you may not drive yourself after anesthesia. Furthermore, following surgery, you will not be allowed to drive while taking narcotic medications or when using a sling, brace, or crutches. Please coordinate with family or friends to assist you with transportation from the surgery center as well as around your home and to physical therapy appointments. Planning ahead will help ease your stress following surgery.

Initial post-operative visit

If you do not have the date of your initial post-operative visit with Dr. Kunze’s team, please contact our office directly at 646.885.5950.

Traveling for surgery

It is common for Dr. Kunze to treat patients who travel from out of state for his approach to joint preservation and minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques. If you are traveling from out of state, the following recommendations may be helpful in preparing for surgery:

A. Appointments in New York. The first trip will consist of you meeting Dr. Kunze. The second trip would consist of the actual surgery day and the first postoperative appointment / suture removal. A third trip may be necessary depending on your specific progress during the initial three months of surgery, which would be agreed upon by you and Dr. Kunze.

B. Follow-up Appointment. Everyone needs a follow-up appointment after surgery. Depending on your procedure, the follow-up will either be the day after surgery or 10-14 days after surgery. We recommend staying in New York until you can have your sutures removed by a member of Dr. Kunze's staff 10-14 days after surgery. If you choose to travel home before having your sutures removed, you are responsible for coordinating removal of sutures by a local healthcare professional. DO NOT remove your own sutures as this could result in an increased risk of infection. 

Additional postoperative visits typically occur at 6 weeks, 3 months, 4.5 months, 6 months, and 9 months, and 12 months postoperatively depending on your surgical procedure and postoperative progress. Some of these visits are recommended to be in-person, while others may be virtual, depending on your recovery.

C. Travel Companions. You must have a friend or family member with you traveling to and from New York. You will not be released from the surgery center unless you have someone to drive you home. 

D. Lodging. Dr. Kunze's team can provide you with recommendations as to where to stay while in New York.

E. Physical Therapy. For most procedures physical therapy begins 1-2 days after surgery. Dr. Kunze recommends that you begin your physical therapy while in New York per your procedure's postoperative protocol in order to establish a proper baseline. The timing of physical therapy will be confirmed with you several times during the surgical consultation and as part of your postoperative instructions. Once you travel home, you can then transition your physical therapy to a local facility. Please contact this location as soon as possible once you confirm your surgical date and travel itinerary in order to avoid delays due to scheduling availability or the request for authorization.