Patient Info

Preparing for surgery/ Procedure

"Before surgery you maybe referred for pre-operative investigations, such as blood tests, ECG and x-rays. Patients undergoing joint replacement surgery will be requested to see a physician who will assist in the preparation and optimization of your health prior to your operation and also help in the post operative period.

Discuss any medications you are taking with Dr. Simon Holland and your family physician to see which ones you should stop taking before surgery.

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.

If you are taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications, you will need to stop taking them seven to ten days before surgery to minimise bleeding. Panadol and Panadeine or other equivalents are safe to take and do not prolong bleeding.

If you are taking anti platelet medications such as Plavix, Iscover, Clopidogrel to thin your blood or Warfarin, Coumadin these need involvement of a physician and special attention. Bleeding can be uncontrollable on these medications.

If you smoke, you should stop or cut down to reduce your surgery risks and improve your recovery.

Have any tooth, gum, bladder or bowel problems treated before surgery to reduce the risk of infection later.

Eat a well-balanced diet, supplemented by a daily multivitamin with iron.

Report any infections to your surgeon. Surgery cannot be performed until all infections have cleared up.

You need to bring along your xrays, MRI scans and CT scans that you have had performed in relation to your proposed surgery.