Preparation for Surgery

Our aim is to provide you with all the information needed to make informed decisions about managing your health.

Preparation for Surgery

Pre-Op Checks

  • Order tests including certain blood and urine tests, X-ray and electrocardiogram (for heart function) to assess your overall health. 
  • Discuss with your doctor regular medications – both prescribed and over-the-counter as well as supplements.

Medications

  • Medications you can continue,
  • Medications you need to stop before surgery,
  • Any dietary adjustments required prior to your treatment, and
  • Any other lifestyle changes recommended or required.
  • Report any infections to me prior to surgery as the procedure cannot be performed until all infections have cleared up.

Pre-Op Milestones

Before Surgery

  • Adjust medications as instructed
  • Report any infections to me prior to surgery as the procedure cannot be performed until all infections have cleared up.

24 Hours Before Surgery

  • Do not consume alcohol - 24 hours prior to treatment,
  • Avoid vigorous physical activity or exercise 24 hours prior to surgery
  • Stop smoking before surgery to avoid complications and delay in healing.

6 Hours Before Surgery

  • Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for 6 hours before surgery.

Day of Surgery

What to Bring

Please plan your hospital stay depending whether your procedure is a day case [plan is to go home the same day] or inpatient case [where you are admitted to the hospital during your recovery period for usually 2-5 days].

Arrival

  • The information you have supplied in your admission pack will be confirmed by a nurse.
  • The nurse will check your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen levels, medical/surgical history, and height and weight.
  • A thorough assessment will also be carried out, please inform the admitting nurse if you have bowel or bladder dysfunction.
  • Dependent on your age and history you will also have an ECG (Electrocardiogram) if you have not already assessed.
  • The nurse will check if you have had routine blood tests prior to surgery, or if you require further blood tests.
  • You may be reviewed by your anaesthetist prior to your surgery.
  • You will be measured for and given a pair of TED (anti-embolic) stockings to help reduce the risk of a blood clot post-operatively. These are to be worn before you go into theatre and are to be kept on until the day of discharge. Nursing staff will assist you to take them on and off for showering.
  • You will change into a hospital gown to ensure there are no delays in the theatre.

Anesthesia

  • Administration of general anesthesia or sedation and local anesthesia
  • The entire procedure can take 30 minutes to two hours depending on the procedure.
  • After the procedure is performed you are transferred to recovery area for observation
  • Pain medications will be prescribed to help with pain during the recovery phase.

After Surgery

Recovery

  • After your surgery you will remain in the recovery area until you are stable and comfortable then you will be transferred to the gynaecology ward for the rest of your stay.
  • The nursing staff will monitor your vital signs hourly. They will also monitor your wound, any wound drains, intravenous drip, your oral intake and urinary output. In some cases, you will have a urinary catheter in situ and this will be removed 1 -2 days after surgery. You are allowed to commence food and fluids as tolerated if you do not feel nauseous. You may find it painful to swallow initially but this will settle. Please advise staff if you are experiencing any increased difficulty with your swallowing or of any voice changes.
  • If you  need to remain in bed, your nurse will give you a hot towel wash on returning to the ward, otherwise you will be encouraged to mobilize with assistance.
  • You will have oxygen delivered through nasal tubing that needs to remain in place for the first 24 hours.
  • The nursing staff will ask you regularly if you have any pain and will use a pain score system to assess your level of pain.
  • You will be asked to rate your pain (Scale O = no pain to 10 = worst possible pain)
  • Based on your answer, the nursing staff will arrange appropriate pain relief medication to be given to you.

Post Surgery Recovery

  • Do not consume large amounts of alcohol after surgery,
  • Avoid vigorous physical activity or exercise until advised,
  • You will be instructed when you can shower.
  • Follow the Post Surgery Treatment Plan proscribed by the surgeon and post op care specialists.
  • Any questions or complications should be communicated directly to the surgeon

Treatment Questions

If you have a specific question about your treatment, we recommend contacting the clinic

  • Hospital Discharge?

    The patient is then discharged from the hospital in a day or two after the procedure. 


    Patients are advised on the steps to keep the wound dry and clean and on scar management.


    The patient is advised to maintain a strict elevation of the joint for ten days. 

    • arrange help to assist with chores, and
    • avoid putting any weight on the joint, with the help of crutches and walkers. 

  • Recovery After Treatment

    Even minor injuries can have a prolonged recovery period. 


    Patients are normally immobilised in a below-knee cast or boot for 6 weeks.


    Other conditions include:

    • no weight-bearing during this time, and 
    • often a further 4-6 weeks in a boot is required once walking is started. 

    Return to maximum function often takes up to one year after the injury.

  • Wound Management?

    At the time of discharge patients are advised on:

    • The necessary steps to keep the wound dry,
    • Wound care and Cleaning, and 
    • On scar management. precautions.

  • What if I Am Pregnant?

    It is not recommend surgery while pregnant, as the risks are uncertain due to the lack of information available about the effect on the fetus. 


    For more information please call us on and request to speak with one of our medically-trained registered doctor or nurse.

  • What is Injected?

    Dermal Filler injectables are a specialised formula derived Hyaluronic Acid, which is a naturally occurring sugar molecule found in the human body.

  • Does It Hurt?

    Everyone experiences pain differently and has different pain thresholds. When it comes to anti-wrinkle injections, it is a relatively painless procedure, though a mild stinging sensation may be felt. 


    Most people compare the sensation of the face injections to a quick prick or a slight pinching feeling, but it only lasts for a few seconds.


    Anti-wrinkle treatments require no anaesthetic, however, a topical anaesthetic can be used for dermal fillers if needed.

  • How Much Will I Need?

    To determine the correct dosage you need to book in for a consultation with Clinic. 


    With regular treatments, the dosage can be reduced.

  • Can I Bring My Child?

    Whilst we all love children, in the interest of health and safety, children cannot accompany patients in the treatment rooms or be supervised by staff. 

    Thank you for your understanding.

  • Post Surgery Treatment Program

    The patient is able to walk immediately after the surgery with minimal pain. 


    The doctor may prescribe pain medications if the pain persists longer than usual.

  • Possible Risks or Side Effects?

    The procedure carries all the risks associated with surgery, such as 

    • infection, 
    • bleeding and 
    • a severe allergic reaction to anesthesia. 

    Redness and bruising at the site of injection may be seen which should resolve over time. 


    There is also a risk of nerve injury or chronic pain due to nerve entrapment and delayed healing of the wound.

  • Possible Complications of Surgery?

    If this condition or injury is missed or untreated can result in the collapse of the arch of the midfoot with significant pain, and the development of arthritis. 


    When surgery is performed, risks include damage to the structures around the top of the foot (nerves, blood vessels, tendons, muscles), as well as a risk of wound infection or breakdown.


    It is common to sustain cartilage damage at the joint surfaces during the initial injury, and some people develop midfoot arthritis and ongoing pain down the track. 


    Some patients require further surgery to fuse the midfoot joints to relieve arthritis pain.

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