Frequently Asked Questions
Patients who are on aspirin or clopidogrel should cease those medications 7 days before surgery. For patients who are on warfarin, management will depend on the original reason for their warfarin. Some patients will require early admission and be started on heparin, for example, patients with mechanical heart valves. Others will just need to stop taking warfarin 2 days before surgery. The INR will be checked before surgery.
Other anticoagulants, for example, Eliquis or Xarelto will also need to be ceased prior to surgery and this will be planned with Prof Owler and, if needed, your cardiologist.
Other medications should be continued including those usually taken on the morning of surgery. These medications should be taken with a sip of water even though the patients may be nil by mouth otherwise. If you are in any doubt, then please contact Prof Owler’s rooms or the hospital.
Patients with a history of diabetes will need to have their medications managed depending on the nature of their condition and fasting times. Some diabetic medications will need to be ceased prior to surgery but this will be planned prior to surgery with Prof Owler and his anaesthetist.
All patients undergoing a general anaesthetic will need to fast. That is, they should have nothing to eat or drink for around 8 hours prior to surgery. Failure to comply with this may necessitate cancellation of the procedure as it may expose the patient to significant risk. As most patients are admitted on the day of the surgery, the hospital will contact them to inform them of the time for admission, likely time of surgery and the required fasting times on the day before the surgery.
Most patients are admitted to hospital on the day of the surgery. Patients need to ensure that their latest X-rays, CT scans and MRI scans are with them when they come to hospital. These scans are the surgeon’s road map and without them the operation cannot proceed. If you do not have your pictures with you when you are admitted the operation may need to be cancelled. Except in rare circumstances, patients are responsible for these films, and are normally given back to them at the time of consultation.
This information was provided to assist you. While it has been prepared to provide accurate information the practice and techniques of surgery will differ between surgeons. Likewise, the information is a generalisation in relation to the surgery and will vary between patients depending on the individual and their pathology. This information cannot cover all aspects of the surgery especially in relation to surgical risks and should not be considered an exhaustive explanation. Please contact Prof Owler’s office if there are any further concerns or questions.
Prior to surgery, patients may be asked to attend a preadmission clinic. This may involve routine blood tests and for some patients an ECG and chest X-ray. Patients that have significant co-morbidities or illness may require extra assessment.
After discharge, it is advisable to rest for 2 weeks which should consist of normal daily living activities. One should not sit in the one position for too long such as at a computer for more than 20 minutes at a time. Once you feel more confident then activities such as driving can resume. Normally patients can return to driving after 1-4 weeks depending on their recovery and use of analgesic medications. Prof Owler’s team will advise each patient.
A return to work depends on the work environment and the nature of the surgery. Those with sedentary jobs who have undergone a smaller operation can usually begin to go back to work after 2 weeks. Those with more physical jobs, or patients who have undergone spinal fusion surgery may take at least 6 weeks but it should be discussed with Prof Owler.
A post-operative appointment is normally arranged at 6 weeks post-surgery. The appointment is normally provided to the patient at the time of discharge from hospital. At that visit any concerns can be discussed and the wound will be checked.
Prior to surgery, patients may be asked to attend a pre-admission clinic. This can involve routine blood tests and, for some patients, an ECG and chest X-ray may be required. Patients who have significant co-morbidities or illness may require extra assessment.
If a stereotactic MRI scan of the brain is required, then this will be organised for either the evening before surgery or for the morning of the surgery. The small dots, or fiducials, that are placed on the scalp for the scan should remain until the patient undergoes their general anaesthetic. Prof Owler will remove them when they are no longer needed.
This information was provided to assist you. While it has been prepared to provide accurate information the practice and techniques of surgery will differ between surgeons. Likewise, the information is a generalisation in relation to the surgery and will vary between patients depending on the individual and their pathology. This information cannot cover all aspects of the surgery especially in relation to surgical risks and should not be considered an exhaustive explanation. Please contact Prof Owler’s office if there are any further concerns or questions