Preparing for surgery
The week before surgery
We will provide you with a plan if any medications need to be ceased, and if so, when.
Key medications include those taken for -
- Diabetes
- Aspirin / Cartia
- Clopidogrel
- Blood thinning - Xaralto, Eliquis, Warfarin
It is highly recommended that if you are a smoker, that you refrain from smoking for as long as possible prior to surgery.
Please ensure your legs and hip region remain free from scratches/infections. If this occurs, your surgery may need to be delayed as it increases your infection risk.
The days leading up to surgery
We will do our final checks, answer any of your remaining questions and take your surgical fee as a deposit by the end of the week before your surgery.
The hospital will contact you in the 48 hours prior to your surgery to confirm details including:
- When to arrive at hospital
- Where you are on the operating list for the day
On the day of the surgery
It is important that you follow our instructions on eating and drinking prior to the surgery.
For morning lists -
- No food from midnight
- Water or clear apple juice until 05:30
For afternoon lists
- No food from 7am
- Water or clear apple juice until 11:00
Small sips of water can be taken with your regular medications.
When you come to the hospital, the nurse will greet you and ask a few questions before directing you to your room. Please inform the team if you are feeling unwell (i.e. flu-like symptoms, cough, infection), as the surgery may need to be postponed to ensure your safety.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will be fitted with your hospital gown, and prepared for your surgery which may include further blood tests. You meet with the Anaesthetist and your surgeon once more immediately before the surgery to answer any final questions.
FAQs
The hospital often don't contact surgical patients until the day before their operation. If concerned you can always call the hospital and ask for admissions or bookings to check -
North Shore Private - (02) 8425 3000
Northern Beaches Hospital - (02) 9105 5000
Mater Hospital - (02) 9900 7300
All surgical invoices at Jointworks are paid in the week before your surgery to guarantee going ahead. If you feel there may be issues covering your bill, please let us know well in advance and we can look at payment plans for you.
All surgical plans are individual and this is especially important for medications. We will have made a plan with your physicians, GP and our anaesthetic team. If you cannot remember your medication plan please contact us on info@jointworks.com.au or 02 9055 1766