Preparing for Your Surgery

The decision to have surgery is significant and preparation allows for optimal results. Dr Bradshaw will work with you to ensure you understand the procedure offered, what to expect and how to prepare. Please ask any questions or raise any concerns you may have well before the day of your surgery and ensure you have a good understanding of your care needs.

Routine screening blood tests and skin swabs are often required prior to larger procedures and can take time to return results and unexpected results may required additional treatment before surgery can be offered.

Lifestyle factors play a very large role in surgical outcomes, and it is important to eat healthy, quit smoking, limit alcohol intake, reduce weight if overweight and exercise as well as managing any pre surgical medical conditions such as diabetes, medication usage, kidney and liver problems, blood thinning therapy, anaemia or nutritional disturbances.

Tooth and gum conditions that may require treatment in future should be undertaken prior to major surgery and any urinary infection, skin wound or bowel problems also require treatment or management.

Specific management of medications such as blood thinners, rheumatoid medications, strong pain relievers and nutritional supplements will require planning prior to surgery

Please ensure that you are not intending to drive following your surgery and have somewhere safe to stay with appropriate support on the day of your discharge. Many procedures will require days to weeks of limited mobility and the use of mobility aids and restrictions and requirements for your home management and transport require discussion and planning before your surgical date. You may require additional home supports or appliances to be available post surgery