Preparing for Surgery

Getting Ready

• Investigations & appointments. Bring any recent hard copy imaging along to your appointment, as well as on the day of surgery. While we can access many radiology practices online these days, we don't have reliable access to some of the smaller providers.
• Medications. Some medications, particularly blood thinners, may need to be paused before surgery. This includes Ozempic and similar weight-loss or diabetes medications — many patients are on these and frequently forget to mention it, but they can affect anaesthetic safety and need to be planned around. If you have any concerns about any of your medications, please contact the rooms as soon as possible — some medications need a full 7 days to completely wash out.
• Fasting. You'll need to stop eating and drinking for a set period before your anaesthetic. Exact timing will be confirmed in your admission instructions.
• Smoking. Stopping smoking is the single most useful thing you can do to help your wound and bone heal well — it matters more than almost anything else in your control. We know it isn't easy, and your GP is a great resource to help you cut down or quit before your surgery date.
• Skin & nails. Keep the operative area free of cuts, grazes, or infections in the days beforehand, and remove nail polish from the operative limb on the day.

Equipment & Mobility Aids

Many patients find it easier to arrange crutches, a knee scooter, or other mobility aids before their surgery date rather than after — so it's ready and waiting when you get home. Our preferred provider for hire and purchase is Independent Living Specialists.

Rehab & Respite

Jarred and his team are happy to arrange rehab or respite care. This can be particularly useful if you have difficult access at home — stairs, for example — during the initial non-weight- bearing period of certain operations. If you think this might be helpful, please let us know early and we'll do our best to help facilitate it.