Preparing for Surgery
Preparing for surgery involves several steps, including pre-operative tests, fitness assessments, understanding what to expect in the hospital, and considering genomics for personalised care. Remember that specific instructions may vary based on the type of surgery and your individual health condition.
Pre-operative Blood Tests
- Blood tests are performed to assess your overall health and any underlying medical conditions.
- These tests may include a complete blood count (CBC), and tests for kidney and liver function.
Imaging Studies (CT, MRI, etc.)
- Imaging studies like CT scans or MRI may be advised to provide detailed images of the area where surgery is planned.
- These tests help the surgical team understand the anatomy and plan the procedure accordingly.
Genomic Testing
- Genomic testing involves analysing your DNA to identify genetic variations that may impact your response to certain medications or your susceptibility to certain conditions.
- This information can help personalise your treatment plan and the choice of medication.
Fitness for Surgery
- Our healthcare team will assess your overall health and fitness for surgery.
- This assessment may include checking your heart and lung function, evaluating your ability to recover from surgery, and identifying any potential complications.
Pre-operative Instructions
- Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions about fasting before surgery, medications to avoid, and other pre-operative guidelines.
- Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure a safe and successful surgery.
What to Expect in the Hospital
- On the day of surgery, you’ll likely check in at the hospital or surgical centre.
- You’ll be prepared for surgery, which may involve changing into a hospital gown and having an IV line inserted for fluids and medications.
Duration of Stay
- The duration of your hospital stay is dependent on the type of surgery and your individual recovery.
- Some surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, while others may require a longer hospital stay.
Post-operative Care
- After surgery, you’ll be monitored in the recovery area before being transferred to a hospital room or sent home.
- Follow post-operative care instructions, including medication schedules, wound care, and any restrictions on activity.
Genomics and Personalized Medicine
- Genomic information can be used to tailor your treatment plan.
- This may include selecting medications based on your genetic profile, identifying potential risks, and optimising recovery strategies.
Follow-up Care
- Attend scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery.
- Communicate if there are any concerns or unusual symptoms to your healthcare team promptly.
Table of Contents
Always communicate openly with your healthcare team, ask questions, and address any concerns you may have. The more informed and prepared you are, the better you can actively participate in your own healthcare.
FAQ
Your surgeon will arrange several checks to make sure you’re ready for the operation. These typically include blood tests, an ECG to check your heart, and sometimes a chest X-ray. You may also need updated MRI or CT scans if your previous ones are older than a few months. If you have other health conditions like diabetes or heart disease, you might see additional specialists beforehand. These tests help us plan the safest approach for your procedure.
Some medications need to be stopped or adjusted, but never make changes without speaking to your surgical team first. Blood thinners like aspirin, warfarin, or clopidogrel usually need to be paused to reduce bleeding risk during surgery. However, if you’re taking these for serious heart conditions, we’ll coordinate with your cardiologist. Most other medicines, including blood pressure tablets, can continue right up to surgery. Always bring a complete list of everything you take, including supplements and herbal remedies.
Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and your job. If you have a desk job, you might return within four to six weeks for less invasive procedures. Manual work or jobs involving heavy lifting often require three to six months off. Your surgeon will give you specific guidance based on your operation and responsibilities. It’s important not to rush back too soon, as your spine needs proper time to heal and stabilise.
No, you’ll need to fast before surgery to reduce risks from anaesthesia. Typically, you should have nothing to eat for six hours beforehand and no drinks for two hours. Your hospital will send clear written instructions with exact times. If you take essential morning medication, you can usually have it with a small sip of water. Following these fasting rules carefully is vital for your safety during the procedure.
Preparing your home makes recovery much easier. Place items you use daily within easy reach so you won’t need to bend or stretch. Arrange for someone to help you for at least the first week, especially with tasks like cooking and shopping. If you live alone, consider staying with family initially. Remove loose rugs or clutter that might cause trips. Set up a comfortable sleeping area on the ground floor if climbing stairs will be difficult at first.