Before Your Surgery – Preparing for a Smooth Experience

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Mind and Body Prepared: Ensuring a Stress-Free Surgical Journey

Undergoing surgery can feel daunting, but being physically and mentally prepared can significantly contribute to a stress-free experience and a smoother recovery. Mr. Raman Sethi is committed to working with you every step of the way, providing all the information and support you need to feel absolutely comfortable with your decision. Mr. Sethi believes strongly that patients must be engaged in the decision-making process, ensuring you play an active role in your treatment and recovery.

Smoking Cessation

Smoking has a number of harmful effects on the body and can significantly impact surgical outcomes. We strongly encourage you to quit smoking prior to surgery, or at least cut down significantly. Research repeatedly shows that stopping or reducing smoking will reduce your risk of a number of post-operative complications, including:

Pre-habilitation

For a successful outcome, it's also important to maintain muscle mass and range of motion around your joints before surgery. We encourage you to talk to us about organising pre- habilitation – a targeted exercise program with a physiotherapist before your surgery – as this can significantly improve your recovery and results.

Preoperative Medication Management

Certain medications require careful consideration around the time of surgery. We will work closely with your GP and other treating specialists to ensure these medications are managed effectively during the peri-operative period to ensure your safety. Please ensure that you let us know if you are taking any of the following:

Blood thinners

(e.g., Aspirin, Plavix, Apixaban, Warfarin).

Rheumatoid arthritis medications.

Steroids

(e.g., Prednisolone).

Diabetes medications

(e.g., insulin, oral hypoglycaemic agents).

Understanding Your Surgery

Before choosing to proceed with surgery, Mr. Sethi will ensure you have all the information needed to feel completely comfortable. This includes a clear understanding of what to expect both during and after your procedure. Key questions that will be addressed during your consultation include:

How will post-operative pain be managed?
How long will your hospital stay be?
Will there be any plaster, braces, or special shoes required?
How long will it take to recover and return to daily activities?
What is the long-term outlook for your specific surgery?

We understand that it can be a lot of information to take on board. Should you have any queries or concerns at any point, we strongly encourage you to get in touch with our rooms, and we will be very happy to help out.

Discharge Planning and Pre-habilitation

It's always good to plan ahead. Following surgery, you may experience short-term limitations, such as restricted weight-bearing on a leg or limited use of an arm. It's important to consider what support you may need from family or friends for activities like:

Simple steps like placing regularly used items within easy reach or organising a short-term meal delivery service can make an enormous difference in the first few weeks after surgery. If you anticipate difficulty managing post-operatively, please discuss with us the wide range of support options available through the admitting hospitals.

Fasting Instructions

You will need to be fasted prior to surgery. An empty stomach significantly reduces the risk of anaesthetic-related complications. You will be contacted and given comprehensive instructions regarding exact fasting times and when to present to the hospital. Please follow these instructions carefully.

FAQs

Why do I need to fast before surgery?

Fasting (not eating or drinking) for a specified period before surgery is crucial to ensure your stomach is empty. This significantly reduces the risk of serious complications related to anaesthesia, such as aspiration (inhaling stomach contents into the lungs).

Why is it important to tell Mr. Sethi about all my medications?

It's vital to inform us about ALL your medications, especially blood thinners, steroids, and diabetes medications. Some medications need to be stopped or adjusted before surgery to minimise risks like excessive bleeding or adverse reactions with anaesthesia.

What is "pre-habilitation" and do I need it?

Pre-habilitation is an exercise and conditioning program, usually with a physiotherapist, undertaken before surgery. It aims to improve your strength, flexibility, and overall fitness. For certain procedures, it can significantly improve your recovery speed and final outcome. Mr. Sethi can advise if it's beneficial for you.

How does smoking affect my surgery?

Smoking increases your risk of several post-operative complications, including infections, poor wound healing, and delayed bone healing. Quitting or significantly reducing smoking before surgery can greatly improve your chances of a smooth recovery.

What should I do to prepare my home for after surgery?

It's wise to plan. Consider arranging help for daily tasks, placing frequently used items within easy reach, and making sure pathways are clear to prevent falls. If you anticipate significant challenges, discuss support options with our team and the admitting hospital.

Have More Questions Before Your Surgery?

We're here to put your mind at ease. Contact Our Rooms with any pre-operative queries or concerns.