Preparing for Surgery:

Once you have decided to undergo surgery in consultation with Ipswich Orthopaedic Group, our staff will guide you and prepare you for surgery. It is important you have a good understanding of what is being done, what to expect before and after surgery and information on follow-up care. Please feel free to ask as many questions as appropriate. Certain tests may be performed before surgery such as:

• Imaging: Xrays, MRI scans, ct, bone scan, etc.

• Blood test, cross match

• ECG- Heart trace

 

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Pre-operative Info:

Ensure all paperwork has been completed, these include:

• Hospital admission paperwork

• Consent forms signed

• Surgical cost forms signed

• All imaging and tests have been completed

• Seen or assesed by anaesthetist

Information on Medications:

• Stop taking NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Aspirin, Voltaran, Naproxyn at-least 10 days prior to surgery. Patients on Warfrin, Plavix or other anti-coagulants will be discussed individually.

• If you are taking other supplements such as herbal medications, please let Ipswich Orthopaedic Group know as they may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.

• You should eat a normal well balanced diet leading up to surgery and maintain regular exercise and movement.

  Try to avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

Things to do at home before surgery:

• Remove rugs, loose carpets, obstacles, etc, which may be a hazard on returning home after surgery

• You may need a toilet seat rise after your operation

• Some extra pillows may be useful, to sleep comfortably at night

• Bathing and showering accessories may be required, eg: handheld shower

• Provide easy access to your phone, mobile phone, computer and kitchen

• You will need some easy access to food, so you may need to prepare this before surgery

Discharge from Hospital:

• This will usually be discussed before surgery. Your partner/family should be aware of when you will be going home.

• You need someone to be with you at least the first night after surgery.

• You need to ensure that transportation to your home is large enough to allow easy entry and exit minimizing risk of injuries.

• You need to understand our pain management program. It is important you bring your partner/family along with you before surgery to discuss this.

Fasting:

• The anaesthetist will discuss this so that you don’t have to unnecessarily fast for more than 4-6 hours before surgery.

On the Day of Surgery:

• Ensure you arrive early and give enough time for traffic/rush hours/ hospital paperwork/ changing

• Make sure all appropriate imaging is there with you (or the surgeon)

 

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Post Operative Info:

When will I go home?

Depending on the type of surgery, the majority of patients will go home on the day of surgery. Joint replacement patients will be able to go home in around 3 days.

The factors that determine early discharge are patient physiology after surgery (status of blood pressure, blood transfusion requirements, fluid balance, etc) and also the presence of a carer at home.

Another reason for discharge after an extra day in hospital is because some Private Health Funds will not pay the Hospital for “Joint Replacement” as they (Health Funds) classify joint replacements as major surgery requiring at least 3-7 days hospital stay. Patients can check with their health funds, and hospitals usually work together with the patients and surgeons to provide the best outcome.

Do I need Physiotherapy?

This will depend on the type of surgery undertaken. Generally inpatient physiotherapy will be given for joint replacement surgery. Inpatient rehabilitation is not usually required. If outpatient physiotherapy is needed it will be arranged prior to discharge.

How long do I need crutches for?

This would depend on the type of operation and patient confidence. Ipswich Orthopaedic Group and the team will guide you through this. In general most patients go home with 2 crutches and gradually move on to 1 crutch before discarding it. This may take anywhere from 1-3 weeks.

When can I go to Work?

This will depend on the nature, type and complexity of surgery, patient motivation and the type of work involved. Some patients have gone to work almost 3-4 days after joint replacements (office type duties) whilst others prefer to convalesce for a short period (1-3 weeks) before commencing work activities as this may involve self-driving. Ipswich Orthopaedic Group will discuss this individually with patients.

When Can I resume sports like Golf?

This will depend on the nature of the surgical procedure, complexity and the type of joint and patient physiology and motivation. Ipswich Orthopaedic Group will discuss this individually with patients.