Preparing for surgery
The weeks before, the day of, and the first days at home.
What do I need to arrange before surgery?
Plan for a ride home and someone available for the first day or two.
You will not be allowed to drive yourself home after surgery, and most patients do better with a friend or family member nearby for meals, stairs, and other simple tasks while the anesthesia wears off. Ask for time off work ahead of time; how much you need depends on the type of surgery and the physical demands of your job, something your surgical team can help you plan around. At home, clear a path to a chair or bed where you can rest with the surgical area elevated, and have ice packs ready if your procedure involves a joint or soft tissue repair.
What should I bring with me, and what should I stop taking before my surgery?
Your surgical team confirms the exact list for your procedure, including which medications to pause and when.
In general, bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of your current medications, and loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on afterward. Many blood thinners, some supplements, and certain anti-inflammatory medications need to stop in the days before surgery, but the timing varies by drug and by person, so do not stop or start anything on your own.
What happens on the day of surgery?
You check in, meet your surgical team, and are typically in the operating room within a few hours of arrival.
After check-in, a nurse reviews your health history and starts an IV, and the anesthesia team explains how they will keep you comfortable during the procedure. Dr. Vasileff completed fellowship training in sports medicine at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, and many of the arthroscopic procedures he performs, surgeries done through small incisions using a tiny camera, are completed on an outpatient basis, meaning you go home the same day rather than staying overnight. Your care team will walk you through recovery room steps and discharge instructions before you leave.
What is normal to feel after surgery?
Soreness, swelling, and tiredness are common for the first one to two weeks after surgery, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2026).
Pain is usually most noticeable in the days right after surgery and gradually eases as the area heals, though the exact pace depends on the type of procedure and your own healing. Mild bruising around the incision and some stiffness when you first move the area are also expected. Your surgical team will go over the pain control and activity plan that fits your specific procedure.
What symptoms after surgery mean I should call the office?
Call the office the same day if swelling keeps getting worse, if drainage from the incision looks cloudy or smells bad, or if you develop a fever over 101°F.
Go to the emergency room, or call 911, for chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden, severe swelling in one leg, since these can signal a blood clot and need immediate attention. A little redness right at the incision or a mild low-grade fever in the first day or two is common and usually not an emergency, but your surgical team would rather hear from you and check than have you wait it out.
How do I schedule surgery or ask questions beforehand?
Call Dr. Vasileff's Columbus office to schedule your procedure or ask a question before your surgery date.
His team can walk through pre-operative instructions, insurance questions, and timing with you directly. Dr. Vasileff is accepting new patients.
Ready to talk about your hip, knee, shoulder and ankle?
Call the office or request an appointment. Accepting new patients.