Surgery has a process.
Most patients don't know it
until they're already in it.

The six stages of surgery

Each stage has a specific purpose, a timeframe, and things you must do before moving to the next one. Every box links to the guide for that stage.

Part of a clinic or surgery center team? See MSKValue for musculoskeletal program tools.

What to Expect: Your Surgery Timeline

Understanding the timeline helps reduce anxiety and ensures nothing falls through the cracks. Here is what to expect at each stage.

Build Your Question List

Select your surgery type and your concerns. The builder generates a personalized list of questions to bring to your pre-op appointment — grounded in guidance from AHRQ, AAOS, and the American College of Surgeons.

Prehab: Preparing Your Body

Going into surgery stronger tends to make the early weeks easier. The trial evidence on formal "prehab" is mixed and varies by procedure and starting fitness — but arriving fitter, especially if you're deconditioned, is low-risk and something you control.

Medication Management

Proper medication management before surgery is critical for safety. Here is what you need to know.

Medications Typically Stopped Before Surgery

• Blood thinners (warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto) -- your surgeon will give specific timing, often 3-7 days before
• Anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) -- usually stopped 7-10 days before
• Supplements (fish oil, vitamin E, garlic, ginkgo biloba) -- stopped 7-14 days before
• Certain diabetes medications (metformin) -- typically held the morning of surgery

Medications Typically Continued

• Blood pressure medications -- usually taken the morning of surgery with a sip of water
• Heart medications -- almost always continued
• Thyroid medications -- taken as usual
• Anti-anxiety medications -- discuss with your surgeon and anesthesiologist

Important: Never stop or start any medication without your surgeon's explicit guidance. Bring a complete list of all medications, supplements, and dosages to every pre-operative appointment.

Mental Preparation

Your mental state matters more than most people realize. Patients who feel informed and psychologically prepared report less pain, use fewer pain medications, and recover faster.

Strategies That Help

• Understand the procedure. Ask your surgeon to walk you through what will happen. Knowing reduces fear of the unknown.
• Set realistic expectations. Recovery is not linear. There will be good days and setbacks. This is normal.
• Build your support network. Identify who will help you in the first 1-2 weeks. Accept the help.
• Practice relaxation techniques. Deep breathing, guided imagery, or meditation can reduce pre-surgical anxiety.
• Write down your concerns. Putting worries on paper and discussing them with your surgeon makes them manageable.
• Plan your recovery activities. Books, podcasts, shows, puzzles -- having things to do prevents the restlessness that leads to doing too much too soon.

What to Bring to the Hospital