Surgery Information and FAQs
General information to help patients prepare for surgery and understand the post-operative period. Instructions specific to your procedure and treating team should always take priority.
Preparing for Surgery
- You will require an amount of time off work, school, and possibly driving following your surgery.
- The amount of time required differs depending on the nature of your procedure and will be discussed with you at the time of your consultation.
- We will provide you with a medical certificate if required.
- Do not drive on any day that you are taking strong pain medication.
- Prior to your surgery, you will most likely be required to stop any medications that cause bleeding.
- Please ensure that you inform Dr Tewari of all your medications that you take. Without this information and the correct steps being taken, the surgery may be delayed or rescheduled.
- Most procedures will require you to fast beforehand.
- You will receive a phone call from the hospital the day before your operation to advise you of any fasting required, as well as the time of your operation.
- All scans relating to your procedure
- A list of your current medications
- A small bag of items in case you are required to stay overnight in hospital
- Something to keep you entertained (a book, iPad etc)
- Have someone available to take you home, you will not be able to drive for at least 24 hours.
- Do Not drink or eat anything in the car on the trip home.
- The combination of anaesthesia, food, and car motion can quite often cause nausea or vomiting. After arriving home, wait until you are hungry before trying to eat.
- Begin with a light meal and try to avoid greasy food for the first 24 hours.
- If you had surgery on an extremity (leg, knee, hand or elbow), keep that extremity elevated and use ice as directed. This will help decrease swelling and pain.
- Take your pain medicine as directed. Begin the pain medicine as you start getting uncomfortable, but before you are in severe pain. If you wait to take your pain medication until the pain is severe, you will have more difficulty controlling the pain.
Anaesthetic Information
Most surgical procedures require anaesthesia, which can be a new and concerning experience for children and adults. The Royal College of Anaesthetists provides patient information about anaesthesia for children and adults.
After Surgery
- After surgery in the hospital – Dr. Tewari will review you in the hospital following the operation. He will assess your wounds and discuss any operative findings with you.
- Tewari will review you and ensure you are fit to be discharged home and ensure an effective discharge plan is created.
- Recovery periods depend on the type of operation you are having and differ between each individual.
- For most operations, a post operative appointment will be scheduled with Dr Tewari in the rooms.
- This post operative appointment tends to be 6 – 8 weeks post the surgery.
- We will also encourage patients to follow allied health advice during this time including post-operative physiotherapy and occupational therapy as appropriate.
- If at any stage you are concerned about any part of your recovery, please contact the rooms immediately.
- If it is outside of business hours, please present to the Emergency Department of your nearest hospital.
Questions about your procedure?
Contact the Adamstown Specialists team if you need information specific to your care.