The rotator cuff is a part of the shoulder joint where 4 muscle tendons come together to hold the end of the upper arm bone in the shoulder socket. The type of surgery that is recommended depends on the type of tear that is being repaired.
Open surgery requires general anesthesia, which makes the patient unconscious during the operation.
If general anesthesia is used, the patient usually stays in the hospital for 1 to 2 days. Arthroscopic surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, also using general anesthesia. The patient can usually go home the same day the surgery is performed because the surgery is done through a small incision. The patient should not take any aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medication for one week prior to surgery to prevent excessive bleeding. No food or liquids should be taken for 12 hours just before surgery.