Your Surgery

The benefits of preparation

A major operation can be a stressful experience. But, being prepared can help you feel more at ease about the whole experience. Pre-operatively, there are things that you can do on the day of your surgery and the days prior to prepare – these are dependent on the type of surgery you are having as outlined below.

“Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns in the lead up to your surgery. Hopefully the information below can help to guide your preoperative process; but, I’m always happy to have another appointment if you would like to chat again in person prior to your surgery,” Dr Jeong Young. 

Information for all surgeries:

• Anaesthetics

Prior to the operation you will be assessed by the anaesthetist to accurately plan your safe anaesthetic during the procedure. The anaesthetics doctor will contact you and you will be required to fill out a form on your medical history. This is usually followed up with a teleconsult on the day prior to your admission. 

• Smoking

There is good evidence to suggest that smoking impairs healing of soft tissue structures such as skin; this can lead to an increased chance of infection. Smoking also increases the likelihood of having an anaesthetics complication. I encourage all patient to cease smoking. If you can stop smoking two weeks prior to your surgery this will reduce your likelihood of smoking associated complications. 

What to bring to hospital (for overnight stays):

• Your Medicare and private health insurance card
• Your regular medications
• Glasses, contact lens, or hearing aids
• Toiletries
• CPAP machine (if you regularly use this)
• Under garments
• Night Clothes (if staying overnight)
• Day Clothes – it is a good idea to bring loose fitting clothes which can be easily put on or removed
• Shoes – simple and easy to put on
• Crutches
• Phone
• There is no need to bring cash, credit cards, or valuables

Pre-op for joint replacement surgery

Just prior to your surgery you may be contacted by the hospital to have a pre-operative assessment. This assessment is to give you further information on when and where you come on the day of your surgery. They will also give you further instructions on what to do to prepare for surgery. This may be done face to face or via a tele consult.

For major surgeries, such as joint replacements, you will be required to have a tracing of your heart (ECG), and further blood tests. You will also be given a special pre-surgery body wash to decrease the likelihood of infection. For more pre-op information and a rundown of the process on the day of surgery, read the factsheet.

Pre-op for ACL surgery

It’s likely that you already have a physiotherapist process underway so, it is a good idea to let them know about your surgery and the date of the operation. They will run you through what exercises will be done in the immediate post-operative period. You can even make your post-op physio appointment about 10 days after your surgery.

You will also need to use crutches upon discharge, so now is a good time to organise these. Your physiotherapist can help fit the crutches to your height to make sure they are the right size. If you do not have a local physiotherapist, and are looking for one, please contact my rooms and we can help.

Pre-op for overnight surgery

If you are having an overnight stay at hospital, the pre-op process will largely be the same as any other surgery. There may just be a few more things to bring and a more detailed process on the day of surgery. If you have any questions or concerns after reading the factsheet, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Pre-op for knee arthroscopy and daycase surgeries

Knee arthroscopy is only daycase surgery and you can expect to be going home 4-6 hours after having your procedure. This is the same for other daycase surgeries. Please read the fact sheets provided and if you have any further questions or concerns about the pre-op process, don’t hesitate to get in touch.