Pre & Post Surgery Information

Preparing for surgery

  • Physiotherapy and Exercise: Do the exercises and activities your physiotherapist recommends before surgery. It helps reduce swelling and makes your muscles strong for recovery.
  • Eat Well and Stay Hydrated: Keep a balanced diet, and make sure you're drinking enough water. It's good to cut back on alcohol for better overall health.
  • Arrange Support at Home: Think about getting help with things like childcare, household chores, taking care of pets, driving, and shopping while you recover.
  • Plan Time Off Work: Depending on your job and situation, you might need different amounts of time to recover. It could be helpful to talk to your workplace's health or HR department about adjusting your duties during recovery.
  • Organise Your Schedule: Try to move any appointments you have to before your surgery, so you can concentrate on getting better without feeling rushed.

  • CBC
  • ESR, CRP
  • Blood Sugar (Fasting, Post Lunch)
  • HBA1c
  • Liver Function Test
  • Bone function Test
  • PT/INR
  • Serum electrolyte
  • Vit D3
  • Vit B12
  • HHH
  • Chest X-ray - PA
  • Urine Routine
  • ECG
  • 2D Echo

Please conduct these investigations and send the results to dvb@drdivyeshbukalsaria.com to finalize the pre-operative evaluation for the surgery.

  • Keep up with Physiotherapy: Do the exercises your physiotherapist recommends to keep your muscles strong and help with recovery.
  • Understand Your Pre-Op Instructions: Make sure you know what to do regarding fasting, handling jewellery/piercings, managing medications, dealing with nail polish/artificial nails, and have a plan for the day of your surgery.
  • Sort out Transportation and Aftercare: Arrange for someone to take you home after surgery (unless told otherwise for minor procedures). They may need to stay with you for the first night or 24 hours after leaving the hospital.
  • Prepare Meals Ahead: Cooking might be tough during recovery or while using crutches. Stock up your freezer and pantry, and keep essentials in easy-to-reach places to make meal preparation easier.
  • Handle Housework in Advance: Since you might not be able to do many chores after surgery, try to get things done ahead of time. This way, your recovery can be more restful and less stressful.

Pack Your Bag:

  • Bring loose and comfy clothes, easy-to-slip-on shoes, and toiletries.
  • Don't forget important items like paperwork, medications, and things you might need post-surgery.
  • Consider limiting valuables, but bring along some entertainment like a tablet or a book.

Follow Fasting Instructions:

  • If you're getting general anaesthesia, you'll likely be told not to eat or drink for a specific time before surgery.
  • Stick to this guidance given by Dr Bukalsaria.
  • Small sips of water are usually okay, and continue taking any prescribed medications as advised.

Relax:

Make sure to get enough rest and take it easy before your surgery.

Bath or shower

You may be given instructions on when to wash before surgery, either on the day or the night before. Follow any instructions given.

Dress comfortably

It’s best to wear comfortable and loose clothing that you can easily change in and out of. Usually, you will not be able to wear jewellery (other than a simple wedding band), no makeup, body piercings or nail polish.

Relax

We’re here for you at every step of your journey.

Some medicines can cause problems during or after surgery by affecting how your body stops bleeding and heals. This includes both prescribed medications and those easily bought in a store.

Important Steps:

  • Tell your surgeon about all your medications: prescribed or over-the-counter.
  • Your surgeon will give you a plan on which medications to stop before surgery, when to stop, and for how long.
  • DO NOT stop or start any medication without confirming with your surgeon.Medications to Stop May Include:
  • Blood Thinners: Medications like warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, and edoxaban.
  • Immunosuppressants: Such as methotrexate and biologics (like etanercept, infliximab).
  • Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Examples are Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and other NSAIDs like Nurofen and Advil.
  • Other Prescribed Medications: This may involve contraceptives, steroids, specific painkillers, and injections.

Note: The decision to stop any medication is personalised for each person, so even if someone you know did something specific, it might not apply to you. Always follow your surgeon's advice.

Recovery

How well you recover after surgery depends on a few things:

  • Type of Surgery: The kind of surgery you have makes a difference.
  • Anaesthesia Type: The way you're put to sleep for surgery matters.
  • Your Fitness: How healthy and fit you are before the surgery is important.
  • Overall Health: Your general health condition plays a role.
  • Following Instructions: How well you follow the advice given after surgery matters a lot.

Remember: Always stick to the instructions made just for you. Below is a general guide to help you along.

Aftercare

Rest and Sleep:

  • Feeling extra tired after surgery is normal.
  • Take your pain meds as recommended for comfort.
  • Follow specific sitting and sleeping positions advised by the hospital.

Nutrition and Hydration:

  • Eat high-protein, low-sodium foods, and fresh fruits/veggies.
  • Stay hydrated with water and caffeine-free drinks.

Wound Care:

  • Keep wounds clean and dry, avoid touching.
  • You might remove crepe bandages at home; check with the hospital.
  • Use waterproof dressings until stitches/staples/tape are removed.

Driving:

  • If you had general anaesthesia, wait at least 48 hours before driving.
  • Seek help from friends or family for transportation.
  • For major procedures like hip or knee replacements, avoid driving for about six weeks.
  • Ask Dr Bukalsaria for further advice as to when you can resume driving

Talk to Our Seasoned Orthopaedic Surgeon for More Info