How to Prepare for Hand Surgery: Complete Pre-Op Checklist

Everything you need to do before carpal tunnel, trigger finger, or wrist surgery. Medical prep, home setup, what to bring, and what to expect on surgery day.

Medical Preparation (1-2 Weeks Before)

• Stop blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin) as directed — typically 7 days before
• Continue heart and blood pressure medications
• Diabetics: optimize blood sugar before surgery (reduces infection risk)
• Disclose ALL supplements — fish oil, vitamin E, and garlic supplements increase bleeding

• Most hand surgeries under local/regional anesthesia require minimal pre-op testing
• If general anesthesia is planned: blood work, EKG (if over 50)
• Nerve conduction study should be completed before carpal tunnel surgery

Home Setup

After hand surgery, one hand will be bandaged and limited. Prepare ahead:

• Open jars, bottles, and packages you'll need during recovery
• Pre-cook meals or stock easy-to-prepare food (microwave meals, sandwiches)
• Set out loose clothing — button-down shirts or zip-ups are easier than pullovers
• Slip-on shoes — you can't tie laces with one hand
• Move essentials to counter height — no reaching or bending
• Fill prescriptions in advance — pain medication and antibiotics
• Practice doing tasks one-handed — opening doors, pouring water, eating

Day Before Surgery

• Confirm arrival time with the surgery center
• Do NOT eat or drink after midnight if receiving sedation or general anesthesia (local-only procedures may have different rules — ask your surgeon)
• Shower normally
• Remove nail polish from the surgical hand (pulse oximeter needs a clean nail)
• Remove all jewelry from the surgical hand and arm — rings, bracelets, watches
• Charge your phone
• Arrange your ride (you cannot drive after sedation)

What to Bring

• Photo ID and insurance card
• List of current medications
• Loose, comfortable clothing — short sleeves or a shirt that's easy to roll up
• Slip-on shoes (no laces)
• A sling or elevated pillow for the ride home
• Phone and charger
• A book or headphones (there may be waiting time)
• Someone to drive you home

What to Expect on Surgery Day

• Arrive 30-60 minutes before surgery
• The surgical hand is marked and prepped
• Anesthesia: Most hand surgeries use local anesthesia (hand is numb, you are awake) or regional block (entire arm is numb). General anesthesia is rarely needed.
• Surgery takes 10-45 minutes depending on the procedure
• You'll rest briefly in recovery (30-60 minutes)
• You go home the same day with bandage, pain medication, and exercise instructions

• Plan for 2-4 hours total at the facility
• Regional anesthesia (nerve block) plus sedation
• Surgery may take 30-90 minutes
• Cast or splint applied before you leave

Frequently Asked Questions

Find Specialists Near You