DAY OF PROCEDURE

WHAT DO I TAKE TO HOSPITAL?

• Imaging (X-Rays, MRI, CT, U/S)
• Regular medications
• Health fund documentation
• Pathology results
• Any letters from doctors

WILL I NEED SOMEONE TO TAKE ME HOME?

You must make arrangements for a responsible adult to take you home after your surgery. This is advisable if you have either had a day procedure or if you are in hospital for a period of time. It is strongly suggested that you have someone stay with you during the first 24 hours or until you are able to get around safely.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

• Wear loose fitting clothing that are easy to put on and will fit over bulky bandages or surgical dressings
• Leave any jewellery and valuables at home
• Please remove make up and nail polish
• Shower either the night before or the morning of your surgery
• For foot surgery, pay particular care that your feet and nails are clean

CAN I TAKE MY REGULAR MEDICATION?

Yes you can, even on the day of surgery with a small sip of water.

Other advice may be given for patients on diabetes, blood thinning and immunosuppressant medications.

ON THE DAY OF SURGERY, HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WAIT AFTER BEING ADMITTED TO THE TIME OF SURGERY?

Whilst we endeavour to perform your surgery in a timely fashion after you are admitted, sometimes your surgery is delayed if there are unforeseen circumstances such as longer than anticipated surgical times for prior patients, or making sure that the correct instrumentation is ready for your case. This can more likely occur if your operation is in the afternoon of an all day list. We appreciate your patience and understanding and will do our best to keep you informed of any delays during the day and likely revised surgical times. If you are unsure regarding your surgical time, please notify the nurse who is looking after you who can contact the surgical suite in order to give you an up to date estimate.

WILL I SEE MY SURGEON PRIOR TO SURGERY?

You will be seen in the preoperative holding area before the operation or earlier to have your consent checked and limb marked.

WHEN IS MY POST OPERATIVE APPOINTMENT?

It will be approximately 2 weeks after your surgery. This will be given to you either at the time of booking the surgery or you should call the rooms to organise an appointment.

This information is a brief overview of surgery management and not designed to be all-inclusive. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact your surgeon.