Operating room and recovery room
The following information contains everything you need to know about the necessary preparations on the day of the operation, anesthesia, and, if necessary, subsequent physical therapy.
These measures are designed to make your stay in our clinic as pleasant and smooth as possible. We will explain what you need to know to be well prepared.
Preparations for surgery
On the day of the operation, you may not use any cosmetics or wear any jewelry, hair clips, or dentures. For operations on the legs or arms, nail polish must be removed from the side to be operated on. Artificial nails must be removed for hand and foot operations. If further preparations are necessary, the nursing staff responsible will discuss this with you.
When you are admitted to the clinic the day before the operation, you will receive precise instructions regarding fasting from the nursing staff.
You may consume clear liquids up to three hours before the start of the operation. These include water, tea (also sweetened, without milk), and black coffee. Milk and fruit juices are not permitted. The exact time from which you may no longer eat or drink will be communicated to you by the patient administration department on the working day before your operation from 4:00 p.m. onwards.
Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia will be discussed with you during the pre-anesthesia consultation. There are three main types of anesthesia: Local anesthesia numbs only a small area. Regional anesthesia covers a larger area of the body. General anesthesia puts the patient to sleep.
All methods of anesthesia are used at the Berit Clinic. The choice depends on the operation and your previous medical conditions. For this reason, the anesthesiologist needs complete information about your state of health. Please fill out the anesthesia questionnaire as completely as possible. This will be discussed with you during the anesthesia consultation.
The latest anesthetics are used during anesthesia to minimize the strain on the body and ensure the greatest possible safety for you. During regional anesthesia, you can either remain awake, sleep, or listen to music.
After the operation, you will be taken to the recovery room, where you will be monitored by specialist staff before being transferred to the ward. For minor or outpatient procedures, you will be taken to the outpatient clinic or directly to your room.
Physical therapy
For major procedures, such as hip, knee, or spine surgery, the physical therapists will prepare you personally for the subsequent treatment before the operation. After the operation, you will receive specialized, restorative physical therapy tailored to your individual needs according to the surgeon's instructions. Four to five days after the procedure, you can enter the 34-degree exercise pool accompanied by the physical therapist. For insurance reasons, we ask you to bring sneakers, closed slippers, or sandals with heel straps for physical therapy. For procedures on the legs, please remember to bring your crutches.