Dr Smith and his team have prepared these handy notes so you know what to expect on the day of your operation. They look forward to caring for you and making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.

Where to go

Dr Smith performs operations at three hospitals in Sydney's south. Please take note of any instructions provided by the hospital where your procedure is scheduled.

St George Private Hospital
1 South St
Kogarah NSW 2217

Patient and visitor parking is available in a new multi-storey car park located on Hogben Street, adjacent to St George Private Hospital. Limited car parking is also available in the underground car park.

St George Public Hospital
Gray Street
Kogarah NSW 2217

Sutherland Hospital
Kingsway
Caringbah NSW 2229


Eating and drinking

You should not eat or drink within 6 hours of the proposed surgery.

In almost all cases you will be asleep (under General Anaesthesia or GA) for the operation. You may have clear drinks (water or black tea) up to 2 hours before the proposed surgery. Any non-clear fluids such as milk or tea/coffee with milk and fruit juice etc. count as food and should be avoided for at least 6 hours before surgery.

Medication

On the morning of your operation you should take your usual medications with a small sip of water or clear fluids (see above) unless otherwise directed.

Certain medications are best omitted such as ACE inhibitors (eg: Ramipril, Lisinopril and Captopril). If in doubt please check with your anaesthetist.

Washing and bathing

In general you should bathe and wash your hair with plain unscented soap.

Take note of the instructions provided by the hospital. Don’t worry about using deodorants, powders or creams and avoid make up and nail polish.

Rings and jewellery

It is important to remove all rings on the arm to be operated prior to surgery.

Following surgery there may be some swelling of the arm or hand. If you are unable to remove these rings yourself it is advisable to ask a jeweller to remove them for you in advance of the operation. Rings that have not been removed before surgery may need to be cut off and this may cause damage to precious items.

What to bring
  • Information provided by Dr Smith
  • Copies of xrays and scans
  • Glasses, hearing aids etc
  • Physical aids, slings or braces provided preoperatively or that help you mobilise
  • Medicare/DVA pharmacy or safety net cards
  • Credit card (or other means of payment)
  • Private Health Insurance card
  • All medications in their packaging


The procedure

Before the operation Dr Smith will see you and go over the operative plan again and confirm your consent for the operation.

The side of the operation (left or right arm) will be checked with you and with the consent form. The site of the surgery will be marked with a pen. This is another chance to ask any remaining questions you may have. You will be asked many times to confirm your identity and the site of the surgery. This is normal procedure!

The Anaesthetist
The anaesthetist will see you and discuss the anaesthetic and any blocks or injections that may be necessary

Transfer to Theatre
When it is time for your operation you will be taken to the Theatre Suite. You may be wheeled down in your bed or choose to walk. You will be taken to the Anaesthetic Room next to the Theatre. You may be anaesthetised in this room and taken through to the theatre once you are asleep or this may be done in the theatre itself.

After your operation

You will wake up in the Recovery Room where a nurse will check on you until you are fully awake.

You may eat and drink when you feel able. Once you are awake and comfortable you will be taken back to the ward.

Going Home or Staying in Overnight
This depends on the procedure undertaken. If daycase surgery has been performed then once you are awake, comfortable, had something to eat and drink and the Nursing Staff are happy with your condition, you may go home. If an inpatient stay has been planned then you will be transferred to a ward. The length of stay depends on the complexity of the surgery and your general health, social circumstances and mobility.

How did it go?
Dr Smith will explain the operation and results to you. Although you will be awake enough to hold a conversation and acknowledge the explanation, many people find they do not remember this. Do not worry as you should be given clear rehabilitation guidelines by your therapist and arrangements will be made for you to be seen again in the clinic where the explanation of the operation and findings can then be repeated and any questions answered. There are often intra-operative images or photos, particularly if you have had key-hole (arthroscopic) surgery and these will be explained to you.

View Dr Smith's shoulder rehabilitation protocols  
View Dr Smith's elbow rehabilitation protocols  

For all appointments and enquiries, please phone (02) 9587 4720 or email admin@drgeoffreysmith.com.au

St George SportsMed
Level 2, Suite 201
131 Princes Highway
Kogarah NSW 2217
(Entry from South St)

Monday to Friday
8:30am - 5:00pm

Fax: (02) 9587 6927

© 2013-2024 Dr Geoff Smith | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Website design: WebInjection