Pre Admission Plan

On the business day before your admission you will be contacted by the pre-admission co-ordinator at the relevant hospital to receive your admission and fasting times. The hospital may also discuss your insurance status and personal details and a registered nurse may discuss with you any special needs, medical conditions and confirmation of pick-up and overnight arrangements if required.

If you have not heard from the hospital by 2pm the day before your surgery, please contact the admissions office of the relevant hospital to check that they have your details.

Medication

It important that you do not take any blood thinning medications for the week before your surgery. This includes warfarin, aspirin, plavix and anti-inflammatory drugs (Nurofen, Brufen, Advil etc). If you take any of these medications regularly then please discuss with Dr Lotz what to do with them leading up to the surgery. 

Fasting

For anaesthetic safety you must not have anything to eat or drink at least 6 hours prior to your surgery. The hospital will tell you what time to start fasting.

It is very important that you follow these instructions carefully; if not it may be necessary to postpone your surgery.

What to Bring With You

Do not bring valuables such as jewellery. Any jewellery may need to be removed or taped prior to your surgery.

Bring with you:

• All current medications
• Relevant X-rays, CT scans
• Wear comfortable clothing
• A change of clothes/pyjamas/toiletries if you are staying in hospital
• Pension details (including Veteran’s affairs details)
• Contact number for the person taking you home
• Magazines/books
• Work cover information
• Specialised garments you are required to wear postoperatively

Admission Day

On admission day you will be seen by your anaesthetist and Dr Lotz prior to surgery. Should you have any last minute questions then you will have an opportunity to talk to Dr Lotz just before the surgery. It is often helpful to write these questions down so that you can remember them. At this time you will also be asked to confirm what procedures you are to undergo.

A relative or support person is welcome to accompany you on the day. He/she will be able to stay with you up until your transfer to the operating theatre. Parents are permitted into the operating room until their child is asleep.

Recovery

Post-procedure you will be transferred to the Recovery Area; you may still be under sedation.
It is normal to remain in recovery for around 30 minutes until you are stable after waking from the anaesthetic.
If you are having a Day Procedure, Dr Lotz may see you in recovery once you are awake; if you are staying overnight in hospital, Dr Lotz will see you within 24 hours.

It is important to note that you must not drive, drink alcohol or operate heavy machinery during the first 24 hours after a general anaesthetic.

Review Appointment

Once you are fully recovered you will then be discharged home or taken to the hospital ward. You will be given a form detailing your specific post-operative instructions. You will need to call the rooms on 1300 304 209 to book your post-operative visit with Dr Lotz as is detailed on this form. Your review appointment will usually be for about 6 – 10 days after your operation. Pathology results will be available at this appointment.