During Surgery
- Anesthesia: An anesthesiologist will place you under general anesthesia and a breathing tube will be used. This can cause a sore throat after surgery that usually gets better within a few days.
- Surgical Positioning: You will be positioned in an upright, seated position called a beach chair position
- Shoulder Block: A peripheral nerve block will be placed around your shoulder. A numbing medication is used. This will help manage pain during and immediately following surgery. This is NOT a complete block and your arm will not be fully numb.
- Antibacterial Cleaning: Your arm will be cleaned with an orange-tinted solution from your neck to your hand. The orange color may last for several days, and may itch until washed off completely.
- Surgical Wounds: Your shoulder incisions are closed with internal, dissolvable stitches and steri-strips for arthroscopic procedures. For replacement surgeries the incision is closed with internal, dissolvable stitches and a Zipline sticker and skin glue. There will be a large dressing with gauze and tape or Tegaderm (clear dressing). Please notify us of any adhesive, tape, glue, or suture allergies prior to your surgery.