Preparing for Thumb Surgery: The Complete Patient Checklist

The short answer: Prepare well before thumb surgery. About 85-95% of patients are glad they had the surgery.

What should I know about preparation for thumb surgery?

Good preparation before thumb surgery helps you recover better. Most work is done in the 2 weeks before your procedure.
Key tasks are to review medicines with your doctor, set up help at home, and get your home ready for one handed use.
Most thumb surgery uses regional anesthesia, an arm block, and is a day procedure. You go home the same day.
Mental prep matters as much as physical prep; knowing what to expect lowers worry and helps outcomes.

Your surgery date is set and the countdown begins. Whether you are having a trapeziectomy (removal of a thumb bone), joint replacement (thumb joint replacement), or another thumb procedure, being well prepared makes the whole experience less stressful. This checklist covers everything from what to pack to how to set up your home for one handed living.

What should I do 2-4 weeks before surgery?

How should I get medically ready for the surgery?

Review medications with your surgeon: Some medicines must be stopped before surgery. Common ones include:
- Blood thinners (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban) are usually stopped 3-7 days before, as your prescribing doctor directs.
- Aspirin is often stopped 7 days before, unless your cardiologist says otherwise.
- Anti inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen) are typically stopped 5-7 days before.
- Certain supplements (fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic) are stopped 7-10 days before as they can increase bleeding.
Pre operative blood tests: If your surgeon asks, finish these at least 1 week before surgery.
Pre anesthesia assessment: Some hospitals need a health check before surgery, especially for people over 60 or with other medical conditions.
Dental work: Finish any planned dental procedures before surgery. Some doctors prefer no dental work for 2 weeks before and after to lower infection risk.
Stop smoking: If you smoke, quit at least 2 weeks before surgery. This helps wounds heal and lowers complication rates. Some surgeons require quitting before the operation.

How will I arrange help at home?

First 1-2 weeks: You will need someone to help with meals, household tasks, and personal care. Ask a partner, family member, or friend to be available.
Childcare: If you have young children, arrange extra help. You cannot lift or carry them safely.
Pet care: Get help with walking and caring for pets, especially for larger animals.
Transportation: You cannot drive for 6-8 weeks. Plan rides to follow up appointments and hand therapy sessions.
Work: Tell your employer. Most patients need 2-4 weeks off for desk work, 6-12 weeks for manual work. Get any required paperwork from your surgeon.

What should I do 1 week before surgery?

How should I prepare my home?

Think about tasks that need two hands: Get ready now while you have both.
Pre cook and freeze meals, soups, casseroles, and anything you can reheat with one hand.
Pre open jars and bottles, or switch to easy open containers.
Move daily use items to counter height, plates, cups, medications, phone charger. Avoid anything that needs reaching up or bending down.
Set up a recovery station: A comfy chair or bed area with everything you need within arm’s reach, medications, water, phone, remote, books.
Buy easy to wear clothes: Loose fitting tops with wide sleeves or front zip hoodies (you need to fit a cast or bulky bandage through the sleeve). Pull on pants with elastic waists. Slip on shoes.
Shower prep: Get a waterproof cast cover from pharmacies. A removable showerhead can help.
Bathroom: Pre open containers, place pump style soap and shampoo within easy reach.

What practical tasks should I do?

Fill prescriptions your surgeon has provided for pain medication or antibiotics if prescribed.
Buy ice packs or make bags of frozen peas for icing the hand after surgery.
Stock up on groceries and household essentials.
Charge all devices and download entertainment for downtime.
If you are having surgery on your dominant hand, practice some one handed tasks with your other hand.

What should I do the day before surgery?

What should I do the day before?

Follow fasting instructions: Usually nothing to eat after midnight. Clear fluids may be allowed until 2 hours before. Follow your exact instructions.
Shower and clean your hand thoroughly: Some doctors give antibacterial soap to use the night before.
Remove nail polish from the hand that will be operated on so nurses can see your nail beds to monitor circulation.
Remove all jewelry from both hands, including rings and watches.
Confirm your ride to and from the hospital or surgery center.
Get a good night’s sleep, easier said than done, but try to rest.

What should I bring on surgery day?

Photo ID and insurance information.
A list of your current medications and dosages.
Comfortable, loose fitting clothing, especially a top with wide sleeves.
Slip on shoes you will not be able to tie.
Phone and charger.
A book or entertainment for the wait.
A companion to drive you home and stay with you for the first night.
Any paperwork your surgeon’s office requested.
Do not bring valuables, lots of cash, or anything you are worried about losing.

Anesthesia options

Most thumb surgery uses regional anesthesia, which means you are awake but your arm is numb. Here are the common options:

Brachial plexus block (arm block): An injection near your collarbone or in your armpit numbs the entire arm. This is the most common approach. The block provides excellent pain relief for 8-24 hours after surgery.
WALANT (Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet): Only the hand is numbed with local anesthetic. This approach is increasingly popular for hand surgery. You are fully alert and can even watch the procedure.
General anesthesia: You are fully asleep. It is used less often for hand surgery but may be recommended for longer or more complex procedures, or if you have anxiety about being awake.
Sedation: Often combined with a nerve block. You are drowsy and relaxed but not fully under general anesthesia.

Discuss your preferences with your surgeon and anesthesiologist. If you are anxious about being awake, sedation with a nerve block is a good middle ground.

What should I ask before surgery?

If you have not already discussed these, bring them up at your pre operative appointment:

What specific procedure will you perform, and why?
What are the risks and potential complications?
What type of anesthesia do you recommend for me?
How long will the surgery take?
Will I go home the same day?
What pain management plan is in place for after surgery?
When will I start hand therapy, and do you have a therapist you recommend?
What should I watch for that would require me to call you urgently?
Realistically, when can I expect to return to work and driving?

Mental Preparation

This part is often overlooked but truly matters:

Set realistic expectations: Recovery takes months, not weeks. Understanding this in advance prevents frustration. Read our recovery timeline for a detailed picture.
Accept temporary dependence: Needing help is not weakness, it is a temporary phase that leads to better long term function.
Plan for boredom and frustration: The first weeks can feel long. Line up activities you can do with one hand: audiobooks, podcasts, streaming shows, voice controlled gaming.
Talk to someone who has been through it: Patient forums and support groups can provide invaluable firsthand perspectives.
Remember why you are doing this: You are choosing short term discomfort for long term improvement. 85-95% of patients are glad they had the surgery.

For more on surgical options, visit our surgical treatment guide. To compare trapeziectomy and joint replacement, see our procedure comparison. For a comprehensive starting point, visit our start here page and glossary for any terms you are unsure about.

Medical Disclaimer

This article was prepared by the Hand Health Medical Advisory Board for educational purposes only. It is based on current medical literature and clinical guidelines, but it does not replace professional medical advice. Every patient’s situation is unique. Please consult your doctor or hand specialist before making any decisions about your treatment. If you are experiencing severe or worsening symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.