Even though a lot of surgery can now be performed on a day surgery basis, because of the type of surgery you are to undergo (eg. joint replacement surgery) or your medical and/or past surgical history, you may be required to stay in hospital following your surgery. The following is an overview of what to expect during your stay.
Preparing for surgery
- Medical Evaluation
You may be required to have some tests before surgery, such as an ECG, X-ray or a blood test.
Please advise Dr Mansfield if you have any other medical conditions eg. Diabetes, blood clots, hypertension, any allergies to drugs, food, surgical dressings, latex etc.
- Medications
Please advise Dr Mansfield of any medications you are taking. If you are on aspirin, warfarin or anti-inflammatory drugs, you may need to stop taking them prior to surgery.
- Diet
Eat a well balanced diet rich in iron, protein and fibre. This will aid in the healing process after surgery.
- Smoking
Stop smoking at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. Smoking reduces circulation to the skin, which can result in delayed healing of the wound and can also increase anaesthetic risk. Smoking also increases the risk of infection by as much as 4 times.
- Preparing your skin for surgery
Use the Triclosan body wash in the shower on the 2 nights prior to surgery and on the morning of your surgery.
Report any scratches, wounds or skin infections that develop near your surgical site prior to surgery, as this will necessitate a delay of surgery due to the risk of infection.
You will need to have a nasal swab 2 weeks before your surgery. This is to check if you are carrying any bacteria that may cause wound infections. This will be arranged at the time you book your surgery in the rooms. If your result is positive for bacteria, we will phone you and organize treatment for this.
- General Health
Notify us if you develop any of the following in the days before surgery: fever, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough or cold symptoms.
- Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
DVT is the development of a blood clot in the deep veins, and is a possible complication of surgery.
Depending on the type of surgery you are undergoing, you may receive an injection of anti-coagulant post-operatively and/or be prescribed aspirin after surgery.
Graduated compression stockings will be used after major leg surgery to help reduce the chance of DVT development.
- Home
You may need to have assistance planned for your return home from hospital for shopping, cooking, household chores etc. Also, consider access to your toilet and showering facilities at home, especially following total knee replacement surgery. Aids such as elevated toilet seats, walking frames, crutches etc can be organised through the hospital.
The day of surgery
- Diet
You are required to fast at least 6 hours prior to your surgery. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery, or as advised by us.
Do not eat or drink anything when you wake up. You may clean your teeth but do not swallow any water. If you have regular medication to take, you may do so with only a sip of water.
- Preparing your skin for surgery
Use the Triclosan wash all over your body.
- Personal belongings
Do not bring any valuables with you to the hospital.
Please bring your X-rays and your regular medication with you.
- Hospital admission
Arrive at the hospital at the time printed on your admission form. You will usually be admitted to the Day Surgery Unit of the hospital and will be transferred to the surgical orthopaedic ward after surgery.
The nurse will ask about your medical and surgical history, take routine observations (blood pressure, temperature and pulse) and prepare you for surgery.
The surgeon and anaesthetist will come and speak with you before you go to the operating theatre. The operation site will be marked by the surgeon.
- Recovery
When your surgery has been completed, you will be transferred to recovery where you will wake up from your anaesthetic. A nurse will monitor your observations and administer pain and/or nausea medication as needed.
You will remain in recovery for at least 30 minutes, depending on the type of surgery you've had and how your pain control and observations are.
- Your stay in hospital
Once you are back on the ward, the nurses will continue to monitor your observations, check your dressings and/or wound drains and provide pain relief as you require it.
You will be encouraged to mobilize as appropriate, but remember you also need to rest following major surgery. Arrangements for any mobility supports or help at home can be made before you leave hospital.
Eat a well balanced diet and drink plenty of water to assist with your healing.
Your recovery at home
- Wound care
You may have a waterproof Duoderm dressing in place over your wound. This can remain in place for about 1 week. If you have skin staples in your wound, these are removed 2 weeks after surgery at a follow up visit.
- Pain relief
Pain is to be expected following surgery. You will be provided will prescriptions for analgesics when discharged from hospital. Your pain relief regime will be discussed with you on follow up visits with Dr Mansfield.
- Diet
A balanced diet, including foods rich in iron, protein and fibre is important to promote proper tissue healing and restore strength.
- Activity and Exercise
Exercise is a vital element of your rehabilitation. Follow instructions on appropriate exercises given to you by the physio when you were in hospital, or on follow up visits with Dr Mansfield. Remember that rest is also important for your healing.
Other information
Contact Dr Mansfield or your GP if you have any questions about your medications or if you develop any of the following: