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PRE-OPERATIVE PLANNING
1. Preparing mentally and physically for surgery is an important step toward a
successful result.
2. Understanding the process or surgery will help you to recover more quickly and have
fewer problems.
3. If any significant medical condition detected, an opinion from a physician or
anaesthetist will be requested to make sure you are fit for surgery.
4. Blood tests and X-rays, are usually performed a week before any major surgery.
5 Discuss any medications you are taking as some medication should be stopped
before surgery. Some surgeries require blood transfusion.
6. If you are overweight, losing weight before surgery will help decrease the stress
you place on your new joint. However, you should not diet during the month
before your surgery.
7. If you are taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications or warfarin or any drugs
that increase the risk of bleeding you will need to stop taking them one week
before surgery to minimise bleeding. Your doctor will advice on alternatives.
8. If you smoke, you should stop or cut down to reduce your surgery risks and
improve your recovery. Smoking also retards bone healing.
9. Have any tooth, gum, bladder or bowel problems treated before surgery to reduce
the risk of infection later.
9. Eat a well-balanced diet, supplemented by a daily multivitamin with iron.
10.Report any infections. Surgery is performe only after infection has cleared up.
HOME PLANNING
Arrange for someone to help out with everyday tasks like cooking, shopping.
Remove all loose carpets and tape down electrical cords to avoid falls.
Make sure you have a stable chair .
Make sure your shower or bath is safe and easy to get in and out
DAY SURGERY CASES
1. You will not be able to drive for at least 24 hours.
2. Do not drink or eat anything in the car on the trip home.
The combination of anaesthesia, food, and car motion can cause nausea or
vomiting. After arriving home, wait until you are hungry before trying to eat.
Begin with a light meal and try to avoid greasy food for the first 24 hours.
3. Any leg, knee, hand or elbow operations: Keep that extremity elevated and
use ice as directed. This will help decrease swelling and pain.
4. Take your pain medicine as directed. Begin the pain medicine as you start getting
uncomfortable, but before you are in severe pain. If you wait to take your pain
medication until the pain is severe, you will have more difficulty controlling the pain.
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