Hip Resurfacing: Before the operation

Joint Orthopaedic Centre: hip, knee, replacement, resurfacing, reconstruction, arthritis, orthopaedic, orthopedic, surgeon, surgery, Sydney, Australia

Hip Resurfacing: before the operation

Preparing for surgery

Once you have decided to have Hip Resurfacing, Dr Kohan and his staff will guide you as you prepare for surgery.

You will be given education and guidance to help you prepare by Rebecca Cordingley (Dr Kohan's Assistant). Dr Kohan will order various tests depending on your medical history.

When preparing for surgery, there are number of tasks to attend to. It is important to feel like you have enough information and education on the operation and follow-up care. Please feel free to ask as many questions you want to.

Traditionally, autologous blood (blood donated by the patient) has been used when a patient undergoes hip surgery. Autologous blood donation is a good way of providing blood for yourself if it is required during surgery. The compression garment mentioned above needs to be fitted prior to surgery. This will be done when you attend the office for your patient education.

Important to remember:

Stop taking your non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication, such as Aspirin, Brufen, Naprosyn, Voltaren, Feldene, and etc. 3 weeks before your surgery. Consult with Dr Kerr regarding taking your regular medications the morning of surgery. Especially heart, blood pressure, and diabetic medications. You may take them with a small sip of water.

Surgery preparation check list:

Complete all paper work in the information pack.
Make sure you have an X-ray of the effected hip.
Donate blood for surgery (Autologous) usually completed over a three week period prior to the surgery date.
The blood tests required
1. Full blood count
2. Autologous donation
3. Cross match
Complete all medical tests ordered by Dr Kohan.
Fitting for compression garment, (done in the office prior to surgery.)
Cease taking Anti-inflammatory drugs 3 weeks prior to surgery.

Appointments to be made:

One week prior to surgery to see Dr Kerr for an anaesthetic consultation.
10 days post-operation to see Rebecca Cordingley (Dr Kohan's assistant) for post-operative care.
Three weeks post-operation to see Dr Kohan for follow-up.

You will need someone able to assist you for the first few days at home (If you do not have someone, please notify us as soon as possible). Otherwise, your surgery may be postponed until proper arrangements can be made.

Fasting

Dr Kerr, our anaesthetist, will discuss with you the fasting times. As a general rule, fasting commences 4 hours prior to your surgery. Four hours before surgery, you can drink a glass of water, then after this point do not eat or drink. DO NOT EAT OR DRINK 4 HOURS prior to surgery. If you have any questions regarding fasting times please contact the office.

Your surgical experience

On the day of surgery you will be expected to arrive at the hospital 2 - 3 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time, if you are not admitted the night before.

The hospital, Prince of Wales Private, is located in Barker St Randwick. Phone number: (02) 9650-4000. Reception is on level 5. The ward is on the 6th floor (6N). On your arrival in the ward the staff will greet you. Wendy, (Nurse Unit Manager) will introduce you to the nurse and physiotherapist that will be looking after you.

The operation time is an estimate, it can be adjusted for various reasons, and the staff will inform you if the time is changed. Every patient needs to have a chest x-ray and blood tests. If this has not been done via the rooms please let the nursing staff know. We recommend that you wear loose fitting slacks (or shorts in the warmer weather) to the hospital as it is much easier for you after surgery. Your family is welcome to visit and stay with you prior to surgery.

When it is time for your surgery, a nurse will arrive to assist you to the surgical area. Once you arrive in the operating suite, you will be taken to an anaesthetic bay where Dr Kerr and his anaesthetic nurse will greet you. When everything is ready, you will be taken into the operating room. The operating rooms must remain cold but extra blankets are provided for you.

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