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Surgical Optimization

Trained experts to help you before, during, and after surgery to minimize your hospital stay and quickly put you on the road to recovery.

Surgical Optimization with Lee Health

Surgery can be stressful for you and your family, but our trained experts at the Surgical Optimization Center are dedicated to offering you compassionate care and support every step of the way. As a part of Lee Health's commitment to quality care the surgical optimization center is dedicated to preparing you and your surgical team before your surgery to reduce possible risks related to your surgery.

Surgical Optimization Centers Serving Southwest Florida

This service requires a surgeon referral/appointment.

Surgical Procedures Available for Optimization

Surgical optimization is available to reduce complications and improve surgical recovery for patients undergoing high risk procedures such as those listed below. Click an image to learn more about these procedures. Ask your provider if your procedure qualifies for surgical optimization.

Orthopedics
Lee Health Orthopedics
Back, Neck & Spine Treatment/Surgery
Back Neck and Spine Treatment Fort Myers
Robotic Neurological Surgery at Lee Health (Spine Fusion)
Physician holding spinal model

Referral-Based Surgical Procedures We Optimize

If your surgery qualifies for optimization you will receive a referral from your specialist for surgical optimization. Some surgeries we optimize include:

  • Total Knee Replacement
  • Knee Revision
  • Total Hip Replacement
  • Hip Revision
  • Rotator Cuff Repair
  • Bicep Repair
  • Lumbar Fusion
  • Lumbar Decompression
  • Cervical Fusion
  • Cervical Decompression

What is Surgical Optimization?

The objective of "optimizing" your health before surgery is to reduce the chances of postoperative complications, shorten hospital stays, lower the likelihood of unplanned re-admissions, and improve your overall health and surgical journey. Optimizing health beforehand can also prevent potential delays or cancellations of the surgery. Additionally, it involves creating a comprehensive surgical care plan for the patient, surgeon, anesthesiologist, surgical team, and primary care provider. The optimization process also incorporates patient education to address questions and alleviate anxiety related to the upcoming procedure.

Your Surgical Optimization Providers

Surgical Optimization Plan with Lee Health

After your surgeon refers you to the LHSOC, a representative will call you to schedule an appointment with us. An APRN will perform a thorough assessment to help develop a surgical optimization plan for you that includes:

  • Medical Assessment - A thorough examination, including a review of your surgical, familial, and social histories.
  • Education & Resources - Providing information on what to anticipate and how to prepare for your surgery.
  • Medication Instructions - A comprehensive review and detailed instructions regarding your prescriptions will be provided well in advance of the surgery day.
  • Streamlined Testing - In coordination with your surgical team and anesthesiologists, we assess whether additional tests are necessary based on your medical history. 
  • Care Management - Planning for potential at-home assistance during your recovery.
  • Comprehensive Assessment - The findings will be communicated to your care team, along with any recommendations, testing, and medication management instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Surgical Optimization

Surgical optimization helps reduce the risk of complications during surgery and improves recovery after surgery. Additionally, being optimized for surgery can help reduce the overlal cost of care by helping providers plan appropriately for potential risks related to medical issues.

Your APRN will assess and evaluate your medical history, medical conditions and medications to ensure you and your care team have all the neccessary information for developing your surgical care plan and support your recovery.

Take your medications as you normally would before your optimization visit. During your assessment your APRN will review and discuss what medications can be taken on the day of your surgery.

Depending on your unique procedure, you can expect your appointment to last up to an hour.

While we encourage you to have a family member attend this appointment, you do not need to have anybody join you for this appointment.

Unless otherwise indicated by your scheduler or APRN ahead of your appointment, you will not need to fast.

During your surgical assessment your APRN will determine the need for addtional testing or lab work based on your medical history, the procedure you are having, and anesthesia guidelines.

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