Surgery Information

Which hospital will I attend for surgery?

Dr Green operates at Canberra Private Hospital and Calvary John James Hospital in Deakin, within 5 minutes walk of Dr Green's Consulting Rooms.

Who is only suitable for surgery at Calvary John James Hospital?

If you are under 15 years of age, have complex medical conditions, or have a BMI over 40, your surgery will be scheduled at Calvary John James Hospital. This hospital is accredited to care for children under 15 years of age and has more extensive facilities and support for those with complex medical conditions. A BMI over 40 puts you at increased risk of complications. These supports include onsite 24 hour medical staff and an intensive care unit.

Important Medication Information

Weight Loss Medication

Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Trulicity, Victoza, Saxenda

All patients on these medications MUST start clear fluids only (NO food) from when they wake up on the day before surgery.
You must continue to fast on the day of surgery, as advised by the hospital.
Please contact your anaesthetist for queries.

Anti-Inflammatory Medication

Meloxicam (Mobic), diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen (Nurofen, Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn)

Stop all anti-inflammatories ONE WEEK BEFORE surgery.
Your anesthetist may advise anti-inflammatories for swelling in the first 48hrs after surgery
Stop after 48hrs as anti-inflammatories delay bone healing for fracture and joint fusion surgery.

Anti-coagulant Medication

Anticoagulants may cause excessive bleeding that can result in wound infection & other surgical complications.

PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR GP IF YOU ARE UNCERTAIN ABOUT STOPPING THESE MEDICATIONS.

Clopidogrel (Plavix), apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), enoxaparin (Lovenox)

Stop these medications TWO DAYS BEFORE surgery
Restart this medication TWO DAYS after surgery.

Warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), aspirin (Cartia, Astrix)

Stop these medications ONE WEEK BEFORE surgery
Restart this medication TWO DAYS after surgery.

About your Anaesthetic

Your operation will be performed either under general anesthetic, regional anaesthetic or local anesthetic with or without sedation. This will depend on your health, preferences and type of surgery.

Your anesthetist will call a day or two prior to surgery to discuss the anesthetic.

You will NOT be able to drive, take a flight or operate machinery for at least 24 hours.

You will need to be picked up from hospital by a responsible adult when discharged.

You need to have someone at home with you or stay with a friend/family on the evening of your discharge from hospital.

Prepare for Surgery

Anaesthetist

The anaesthetist will call you, usually a few days before surgery, to discuss your medical history, the type of anaesthetic and the anaesthetic fee.

Admission & Fasting Times

The hospital will send a text message to your phone with the fasting and admission details between 2pm and 5pm on the day before your surgery.

Pre-Surgery Checklist

Hospital admission form completed.
Remove nail polish/gel/artificial nails.
Remove all rings on surgery side or have a jeweller remove 2 weeks before surgery.
Surgery fees due at least 7 days prior to surgery. Cancellation fees apply if 7 days' notice is not provided.
Stop any medications as per above instructions.
Friend/relative arranged to pick you up and stay overnight if you live alone.
Medical/carer’s certificates - call if required.
Private Health Fund contacted to check that you are covered for your procedure.

On the Day of Surgery

Bring something to read or watch while waiting.
Register at the hospital Admissions Desk.
The nursing staff shall prepare you for your procedure.
A nurse will confirm your medical history and help you to change into theatre wear. They will record the name & number of the person collecting you.
Dr Green will see you prior to your procedure.
Day stay patients can expect to be at the hospital for 5-7 hours depending on the length of surgery.
Overnight stay patients are discharge at 10am the next morning. Please ensure someone is available to pick you up at that time.
Before you leave the hospital you will given a sling (paper or fabric depending on procedure), your follow up appointment details & postoperative instructions.

Postoperative Instructions

Pain Medication

Take the prescription pain medication on the day of surgery before you experience pain or before you go to bed.
Take Panadol osteo 2 tablets 3 times daily for first 2 weeks.

Swelling, Elevation & Sling

Swelling will be quite noticeable for the first 2 days.
Keep your hand elevated at chest height by resting your arm on pillows.
A paper sling is for use 2-3 days when outside home.
A fabric sling is for use for 2 weeks when outside home.
Wearing a sling for hours causes neck/shoulder pain and stiffness.

Do not lean your elbow or forearm on hard surfaces.

This irritates the ulnar nerve and causes increased pain.

Showering

A plastic bag or oversized rubber glove secured with tape or rubber band will keep your bandage dry for 2 weeks.
Waterproof cast covers for swimming are also suitable & are found online .

Bandage

DO NOT change your dressing unless advised by Dr Green.

Numbness

Local anaesthetic keeps your hand numb for at least 6 hours to several weeks, especially if there was nerve compression prior to surgery. It will resolve.

Exercises

DO NOT do any exercises unless you are given specific instructions by Dr Green or your hand therapist.
DO NOT participate in cardio exercises that cause sweating until the stitches are removed.

Flying

You should not fly for 24 hours after an anaesthetic.

Driving

Refer to information about your medical condition.
It is unsafe to drive for 24 hours after an anaesthetic.
If you are in a splint or any form of back slab, do not drive for 2 weeks.