There is usually no special preparation required before surgery.

 

We recommend:

 

• Being well rested.

• Washing your hair, the night before or the morning of surgery, as your wound and initial dressing must remain dry for the first 48 hours as directed by your surgeon.

• Having a shower on the morning of your procedure dry off with a clean towel and wear freshly washed/laundered, loose fitting and comfortable clothing.

• Eating a good breakfast on the morning of surgery.

• You do not bring any valuable items with you on admission.

• Bring things to do - reading material, music, etc

• Arrive 15 mins prior to your  appointment

 

Please Note

• You can eat and drink your normal diet and fluids prior to admission.

• You can continue taking your blood thinning medication unless advised by nursing staff to withhold.

• If you are taking Warfarin, you will need to have your INR checked 2-4 days prior to your procedure and notify our nursing staff as soon as you receive your INR result.

• Take all other medication as normal, unless otherwise directed.

• If you need to take medication during your admission that requires the assistance of nursing staff, please bring medication in original containers or a webster pack.

 

Post-surgical reconstruction

The doctor/surgeon will discuss post-surgical options with you.  Since it is not possible to determine the exact size of the wound until the entire tumour/lesion is removed, we cannot determine in advance how the wound will be closed. Refer to Wound Repairs for more information.

 

After your surgery, you will:

• Be escorted to the recovery room

• Have your wound and observations reviewed

• Be offered refreshments

• Given the opportunity to relax in our comfortable chairs

• Be discharged once nursing / medical staff are satisfied with your recovery. This time may vary depending on the type of surgery performed.

• Be sent home with written discharge instructions, follow-up appointments, dressing materials and further contact details if required.