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Preparing for Surgery

1. Admission forms

Dr Broadhead will discuss the operation with you in detail, ensuring that you understand the aims of the procedure. It is important that you understand the potential risks and benefits of the operation, whilst also having realistic expectations. Dr Broadhead will complete a consent form for you to sign. You will also be provided with admission forms to complete (may be completed online). This will require you to list your medications and past medical history.

2. Quotation for surgery

A written quotation will be provided to you prior to any procedure. This will clearly outline any “out of pocket” expenses. Dr Broadhead is a member of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and uses AMA fee recommendations as a guide for patients. You will be provided with a full fee estimate including fees for the surgeon, surgical assistant, anaesthetist, the private hospital and any required surgical implants or prostheses.

3. Pre-operative tests

To ensure that you are fit and healthy for surgery, Dr Broadhead will order a number of tests to plan for your anaesthetic and operation. Request forms for these tests will be given or sent to you. Further x-rays, CT or MRI may be ordered to allow for individualised planning of your joint replacement.

4. Anaesthetist review

Prior to your operation, you will be assessed either in the pre-admission clinic, in our consulting rooms or over the phone by the anaesthetist. Your anaesthetist will ensure that your health is optimised prior to surgery and give further advice on medications and pain management. If you have previously seen a cardiologist or other physician, it is important to have this information available. The anaesthetist will advise you on the safest form of anaesthesia for you. You will be able to discuss the options available to you and any fees associated with care.

5. Date for surgery

When surgery is being performed in a public hospital, the hospital will notify you when you have a date for surgery. This is subject to the ongoing demands on the public health system and may be cancelled or postponed. Typically waiting time for a joint replacement in a public hospital is in excess of 12 months. When surgery is being performed in a private hospital, a convenient date can be provided around your schedule, taking into account expected times for recovery.

6. Preparing for the operation

There are a number of measures that can be taken to improve outcomes with surgery.

  • If you are overweight, weight loss can help reduce your risk of complications both with the anaesthetic and surgery.
  • If you are a cigarette smoker, quitting or reducing your smoking habit will reduce your risk of complications.
  • If you have an infection elsewhere in the body, such as skin wounds, tooth, bowel or bladder infections, you should seek the advice of your general practitioner prior to joint replacement surgery.
  • Patients added to the public hospital waiting list will be invited to attend sessions of the Osteoarthritis Chronic Care Program. At these sessions you will receive advice with regard to preparing physically for surgery. Alternatively, you may choose to seek the advice of a private physiotherapist.
  • If you are taking medications that increase the risk of bleeding (“blood thinners”), such as aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin or xarelto, you will need to stop taking these prior to surgery as advised by Dr Broadhead or the anaesthetist.

 7. Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to bring with me to an appointment?

When preparing for an appointment it’s a good idea to bring the following items: 

    • Referral letter from your general practitioner
    • Insurance information
    • A list of medications: It’s helpful to bring a list of all medications that you are currently taking, including the dosages and the frequency of use.
    • Previous medical records: If you have had previous medical tests or treatments, it’s helpful to bring copies of these records with you. This will help Dr Broadhead get a better understanding of your medical history and treatment history. 
    • A list of questions: It’s a good idea to write down any questions or concerns that you have before the appointment. This will help you remember to ask Dr Broadhead about any issues that are important to you. 
    • A friend or family member: It can be helpful to bring a friend or family member with you to the appointment. They can help you remember what was discussed during the visit and provide support during the decision-making process. 

It’s important to arrive at the appointment on time. This will help ensure that the appointment goes smoothly and that you get the most out of the visit.

What do I need to bring with me to the hospital when I have surgery?

When preparing for surgery, it’s a good idea to bring the following items with you to the hospital:

    • A list of medications: It’s helpful to bring a list of all medications that you are currently taking, including the dosages and the frequency of use. This will help the team get a better understanding of your overall health and any potential interactions with other medications.
    • A list of allergies: If you have any allergies, it’s important to bring a list of them with you to the hospital. This will help the team avoid any medications or treatments that may cause an allergic reaction.
    • Personal items: You may want to bring a few personal items with you to the hospital, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a change of clothes. You may also want to bring a book or other activities to pass the time during your stay.
    • Insurance information: It’s important to bring your insurance card and any necessary paperwork, such as referral forms or authorization documents.
    • Payment information: It’s a good idea to bring your payment information, such as a credit card, with you to the hospital. This will help you cover any out-of-pocket expenses that may be incurred during your stay.
How long do I need to fast before having surgery?

Fasting before surgery is generally recommended to reduce the risk of complications during the procedure. The length of time you need to fast will depend on the type of surgery you are having and the anaesthetic that will be used. For general anaesthesia, it is usually recommended to fast for at least 6-8 hours before surgery. This includes not eating or drinking anything except water. It is important to follow the fasting instructions provided by the anaesthetist, as these may vary depending on your individual circumstances. Failing to follow the fasting instructions could result in delays or cancellation of your surgery.

Do I need to stop my medications before having surgery?

It is generally necessary to stop taking certain medications before having surgery. This is because certain medications can interfere with the anaesthetic or increase the risk of bleeding or other complications during surgery. It is important to discuss your current medications with Dr Broadhead and the anaesthetist before your surgery. They will advise you on which medications to stop taking and when to stop taking them. In some cases, you may be able to continue taking certain medications.

How do I know when to arrive at the hospital before having surgery?

It is important to follow the instructions provided by the hospital regarding when to arrive for your surgery. The hospital will usually contact you on the day before surgery. Generally, you will be asked to arrive at the hospital a certain number of hours before your surgery is scheduled to begin. This allows time for pre-operative procedures such as checking in, changing into a hospital gown, and having any necessary tests or evaluations. It is important to arrive on time to ensure that your surgery can proceed as scheduled. If you are running late or anticipate any issues with arriving on time, it is important to contact the hospital or Dr Broadhead’s office as soon as possible to let them know and make any necessary arrangements.

What are the types of anaesthetic used for surgery?

 There are several types of anaesthetic that may be used for orthopaedic surgery, including: 

    • General anaesthesia: This type of anaesthesia is used to put the patient to sleep and block pain throughout the body. It is administered through an IV or inhaled through a mask or tube.
    • Regional anaesthesia: This type of anaesthesia numbs a specific area of the body, such as an arm or leg. It can be administered through an injection or through a catheter that is inserted near a nerve or spinal cord. 
    • Local anaesthesia: This type of anaesthesia numbs a small area of the body, such as a finger or toe. It is administered through an injection. 
    • Sedation: This type of anaesthesia is used to relax the patient and help them feel more comfortable during the procedure. It is usually administered through an IV or inhaled through a mask. 

It is important to discuss the specific anaesthetic options with the anaesthetist and Dr Broadhead to determine the best approach for your individual needs and medical history.