Your Operation
Your operation will be performed at either St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside (Chermside, Brisbane), St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital (Spring Hill, Brisbane) or The Wesley Hospital (Auchenflower, Brisbane). The location of surgery will depend on surgeon, availability and patient preference.
What to bring to hospital?
- Toileteries
- Clothes for sleeping & a change of clothes for discharge
- All of your usual medications
- All previous XRAYs or scans
- Entertainment options – computers, books etc.
Preparing for Surgery
Fasting
Your surgeon will provide instructions when booking your surgery. If you are unsure or have any concerns please contact our team.
Medications
Discuss with your surgeon/anaesthetist all the medications you take, particularly any blood thinning (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, Xarelto, Eliquis, Pradaxa) or herbal medications. Your surgeon will advise which medications need to be ceased prior to surgery.
Smoking
Your surgeon will advise you to stop smoking prior to surgery. Smoking increases the risk of developing complications post-operatively.
Weight
Any weight you can lose prior to surgery will improve the outcomes following surgery. Overweight patients have a higher risk of developing complications following surgery. All patients undergoing weight loss surgery will undergo dietitian review and pre-operative weight loss diet.
Exercise
Regular exercise improves lung and heart function which improves recovery following surgery. For hernias, you should avoid heavy lifting and exercise which you feel worsen your symptoms. Seek the advice of your surgeon or GP prior to surgery.
General information
Pregnancy – please advise your surgeon if there is any possibility you are pregnant.
Hair removal – in the week prior to the procedure do not shave/wax in the region of your surgery.
Hygiene – have a shower the day before or day of surgery.
Please discuss any other questions with Total Upper GI Surgery.
Post-operative care
The majority of patients make a full recovery following elective surgery.
Following the operation you will be transferred to the recovery area and then to the ward. Your length of stay in hospital will depend on the operation you are undertaking. You should discuss this with your surgeon. If you do go home the same day, you will need to be observed for several hours following and taken home by a responsible adult or via taxi. An adult should be with you for 24hrs following surgery.
Wounds will generally be dressed with steri-strips and an overlying dressing. These generally can be removed 5 days following surgery.
Please talk to your surgeon about restrictions to exercise and activities following surgery. Advice varies between patients and procedures.
You should talk to your surgeon if you develop any of the following:
- Worsening pain, especially with walking or coughing
- A high temperature or fever
- Dizziness or shortness of breath
- Swelling of the abdomen or wound
- Not opening bowels or passing wind
- Difficulty passing urine.
If you do not improve over the week following surgery, please contact your surgeon or GP.
Do not drive following surgery until you have complete movement, sensation and function. Do not drive if taking opiate analgesia. Do not drive until you feel you can safely control your vehicle.
Do not consume alcohol for 24hrs following general anaesthesia.
You can usually return to normal activities one week following surgery. Do not do any strenuous activities or heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks following surgery. Please discuss with your surgeon prior to commencing strenuous exercise.
Please note this document contains general information only at the date of publication and should not replace advice obtained by your treating doctors applicable for your specific circumstances.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Call us on 07 3350 2533
St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside
Level 1 St Vincent’s Northside Education Centre
627 Rode Road, Chermside QLD 4032
(07) 3350 2533
(07) 3350 2511
[email protected]
