The surgical process
Preparing for surgery
Clearances, medications, supplies, and getting your home ready, laid out on the same timeline Dr. Cohn gives every patient in his surgical booklet.
Step 1 of 3
Clearance 7 days ahead
Guided by our team
Pre-operative visits & medical clearance
Depending on your health, you may need labs, an EKG, or a clearance visit with your primary care doctor. If you see specialists such as a cardiologist or pulmonologist, additional clearance may be required. Dr. Cohn’s surgical scheduler will review your medical history with you and will guide you through exactly what evaluations are needed
All clearances should reach our office at least 7 days before surgery, and must be dated within 30 days of your procedure
Clearances completed at Summit Health are sent to us automatically
Outside clearances should be faxed to (908) 464-3283, attention Erika Smith
Getting cleared
We guide every step
Dr. Cohn’s surgical scheduler, Erika, confirms each requirement with you, so nothing is left to guesswork before your date.
Before your date
Managing medications around surgery
Certain medications affect surgery and anesthesia. These are discussed in detail in Dr. Cohn’s surgical packet that you will receive when you sign up for surgery. A pdf is available at the top of this page as well.
Have these at home
Supplies to have ready
Dr. Cohn keeps a curated list of the items that make recovery smoother, gathered in one place so you are not searching for them the week of surgery.
Cold therapy:
Reusable ice packs such as the Newgo Shoulder Ice Pack, around $18, stay cold for roughly 20 minutes, which is exactly the right amount of time. A cold therapy machine that circulates cold water through a sleeve costs more but is very convenientClothing:
Loose button-down shirts, zip-up hoodies, cardigans, or post-surgery shirts with wide armholes. Elastic-waist pants make dressing far easierSleeping:
A recliner, wedge pillow, or shoulder sleeper pillow, since most shoulder patients rest better semi-uprightShowering:
Pump-handle shampoo for one-handed use, a shower cast cover if you will have an elbow splint, and a shower chair or waterproof sling if bathing feels unsteadySling or brace:
Do not buy one. If Dr. Cohn prescribes a sling, it is provided at the surgery center or hospital
Set up for one-handed living
Setting up your home & lining up help
Plan on functioning with one arm for a while. A few changes made ahead of time keep you safe and independent.
Line up a helper
Someone must bring you to surgery and drive you home. If you live alone, having someone stay the first night or two makes a real difference.
Create a recovery station
A comfortable spot with pillow support, and your phone, water, medication, and remote within reach.
Arrange rides
You cannot drive yourself home, and not while in a sling or on pain medication. Plan a ride to your post-operative visit too, usually 10 to 14 days after surgery.
Cover pets, work, and meals
Arrange help with large pets for the first week, adjust your work schedule, and stock hydration, protein, and prepped meals.
Bring essentials down
Move kitchen and bathroom items to counter height so you are not reaching overhead.
Stop tobacco
Stopping 6 weeks before and after surgery reduces complications and improves your result.
Book your first physical therapy appointment for 3 to 5 days after surgery if you are having surgery for a frozen shoulder or a stiff elbow
For every other procedure, therapy or a home program starts 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, and your prescription is given at your 2-week visit
Disability paperwork should reach us at least 2 weeks before surgery, dropped at the office or uploaded through the portal
For cost estimates, call (908) 588-3941 Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, or email estimates@summithealth.com
Almost there
The week before surgery
The final stretch is short and specific. Here is what happens, and what we need from you.
Prescriptions are sent the Friday before surgery. Collect them from your pharmacy that week
Start Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) soap 3 days before surgery and use it daily until your date. It is available over the counter. Apply to your whole body, avoiding the eyes, rinse off, and skip lotion or oil afterward
Your surgical location calls the business day before with your arrival time and final instructions. Dr. Cohn's schedulers will also call. If you have not heard by early evening, email Mcohn2@summithealth.com
You may eat solid food up until 10 hours before your scheduled surgery time
You may drink clear liquids, including water, Gatorade, and black coffee, up until 2 hours before surgery
Nothing cloudy, creamy, or thick within 10 hours of surgery. That means no milk, no coffee with cream, no smoothies, and no protein shakes
One alcoholic drink the night before is fine
Pack your bag and get a good night's sleep
- Photo ID
- Insurance card
- Loose, comfortable clothing
- A support person to bring you in and take you home
- Jewelry and other valuables
- More than $100 in cash
- Your medications, the surgical center provides everything you need
- Contact lenses, wear glasses instead
The surgical process