Surgery/Procedure
With Your Doctor
Before surgery, Dr Ariyaratnam will conduct a comprehensive physical examination to ensure there are no underlying conditions that could interfere with the surgery or affect your recovery. This may include routine tests, such as blood tests and X-rays, which are typically performed about a week before your procedure. Here are some important issues to discuss with your doctor.
Smoking
You must inform your doctor if you are a smoker and accurately inform him how much you smoke. Smoking increases the risks associated with surgery and can substantially slow down your recovery. Dr Ariyaratnam will advise you cease if possible, or substantially reduce smoking in the weeks leading up to surgery. Smoking leads to poor wound healing and delayed recovery from surgery and anaesthesia. In the context of certain types of surgery, for e.g. Incisional Hernia Surgery, Dr Ariyaratnam will recommend cessation of smoking and may decline to offer you surgery if this is not possible. If unable to cease smoking, you will be advised to stop smoking 1 month prior to surgery and for 8 weeks following surgery. With regards smoking cessation, please consult your GP to consider your options. Alternatively, Quitline on 13 18 48 can provide advice as required.
Medication Review
Be sure to discuss all medications you are currently taking with both your surgeon and your general practitioner. Some medications may need to be discontinued prior to surgery, while others may be adjusted. If you are on the following medications, please alert your surgeon at time of Consultation: Blood Thinners: Aspirin, Warfarin, Iscover, Clopidogrel, Pradaxa, Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, Xarelto. NSAIDs: Ibuprofen, Mobic, Voltaren Diabetes Medication: Insulin, GLP 1 agonists (Ozempic), Dapagflozin Steroids: Prednisolone Statins Complementary Medications: Fish Oil
Exercise or Prehabilitation
There is good evidence that regular light exercise in the lead up to Surgery, decreases risk of complications and improves outcomes in General. For e.g. include: 20-30 mins - moderate paced walking per day.
Hospital Stay
Many procedures are performed on a ‘Day Surgery’ basis. This means you will be admitted on the morning of the procedure, but be able to be discharge home on the same day. You will need someone to take you home following the procedure. Driving immediately after a procedure or within 24 hours is strongly discouraged. If your surgeon has indicated that you may need to stay in hospital following the procedure, he will indicate what is a typical length of stay following any given procedure, however every patient’s needs are unique, and recovery and readiness for discharge can be variable from patient to patient.
Weight Management
If you are overweight, your doctor may recommend losing weight before surgery. However, do not start a restrictive diet during the month leading up to your procedure, as proper nutrition is essential for healing.
Preparation for General Anaesthesia
If you are planned to undergo General Anaesthesia, you will be requested to fast in preparation for your procedure. For MORNING procedures (arrival before 12pm): FAST (NO FOOD) FROM MIDNIGHT the night before. You can drink only water up until 2 hours prior to your arrival time. For AFTERNOON procedures (arrival from 12pm): FAST (NO FOOD) FROM 7AM the day of your procedure. You can drink only water up until 2 hours prior to your arrival time.
Diabetes
It is imperative that you inform your surgeon if you are a diabetic and are on diabetic medication. Dr Ariyaratnam will have a low threshold to refer you to an Endocrinologist to optimise your diabetic control in preparation for surgery and beyond.
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