Before Your Surgery

How to prepare for your procedure with Dr Jason Hockings

Preparing for surgery is an important step in achieving the best possible outcome. In the weeks and days leading up to your procedure, there are several things you can do to support a smoother recovery, reduce risks, and make your hospital stay as comfortable as possible.

This guide takes you step-by-step through everything you need to do, from optimising your health to packing for the day of your procedure.

Optimise your health before surgery

Taking time to prepare your body and mind before surgery can make a real difference to your recovery and long-term outcome. By focusing on your health in the lead-up to your procedure, you can reduce risks, recover more smoothly, and get back to your usual activities sooner.

As part of your pre-operative care, Dr Jason Hockings will review your current medications and advise on any adjustments needed before surgery. He may also recommend dietary changes, weight management strategies, and other lifestyle modifications to support healing. In many cases, targeted exercises or physiotherapy will be suggested to strengthen your muscles, improve joint function, and prepare your body for surgery.

Dr Hockings places a strong emphasis on patient education and setting realistic expectations. He will explain each stage of your surgical journey in clear, simple terms so you know exactly what to expect, feel supported, and are confident in taking an active role in your recovery.

Medications to stop or adjust before surgery

Some medications and supplements can increase bleeding risk, interact with anaesthesia, or affect healing. Dr Hockings or your anaesthetist will advise you if you need to stop or adjust:

Always check before making any changes and provide a full list of your current medications.

Confirm your health fund or payment arrangements

If you have private health insurance, confirm that your policy covers your planned procedure and hospital stay.
Our team can assist with quotes and item numbers for your insurer.

If you don’t have private health insurance, you still have the option to access high-quality surgical care through self-funding. Dr Hockings offers transparent and flexible options for patients who choose to self-fund their procedures. Whether you need a knee or hip replacement, or another orthopaedic surgery, self-funding allows you to receive timely treatment in a private hospital setting.

Diagnostic imaging for surgical planning

Depending on your condition and the type of procedure you are having, Dr Jason Hockings may request diagnostic imaging to obtain a clear, detailed view of the affected area. This imaging can include:

X-rays: commonly used to assess bone alignment, joint spaces, and signs of arthritis or fractures.
CT scans (Computed Tomography): provide a more detailed, cross-sectional view of bone structure, helpful for identifying complex fractures, bone loss, or subtle joint changes.
MRI scans (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): offer detailed images of soft tissues such as tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and muscles, making them valuable for detecting tears, inflammation, or other tissue damage.

These images help Dr Hockings:

Confirm or clarify your diagnosis
Understand the severity and exact location of your injury or condition
Plan your surgery with precision, including selecting the most appropriate surgical approach and any specific implants or techniques
Monitor your progress if follow-up scans are required after treatment

In many cases, imaging results can be sent electronically from your radiology provider directly to Dr Hockings’ rooms, reducing the need to bring hard copies in.

Complete your hospital admission paperwork

Your hospital will provide admission forms that must be completed before your procedure. These include your medical history, consent forms, and insurance details. Completing these early helps avoid delays on the day of surgery.

Below, is information about each hospital and instructions for completing the necessary admission forms. Completing these forms accurately and promptly ensures a smooth admission process and helps prepare for your care.

St Vincent’s Private Hospital East Melbourne
159 Grey St, East Melbourne VIC 3002
https://www.svph.org.au/online-admissions
Epworth Richmond
89 Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121
https://www.epworth.org.au/patients-and-visitors/planning-for-your-care/patient-admission
Epworth Eastern
1 Arnold St, Box Hill VIC 3128
https://www.epworth.org.au/patients-and-visitors/planning-for-your-care/patient-admission
Adeney Private Hospital
209 Cotham Rd, Kew VIC 3101
https://adeneyprivate.eadmissions.com.au/
Albury Wodonga Private Hospital
1125 Pemberton St, West Albury, NSW, 2640
https://www.alburywodongaprivate.com.au/For-Patients/Pre-Admission
Insight Private Hospital
The Gardens Medical Centre
Level 5/470 Wodonga Pl, Albury, NSW, 2640
https://www.preadmit.com.au/patient/insightprivate

Your anaesthesia consultation

Before your surgery, your anaesthetist will contact you by phone to discuss your tailored anaesthetic plan. For many orthopaedic procedures, this may involve a combination of a low-dose spinal anaesthetic, a nerve block, and a light general anaesthetic. This consultation is also your opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns, and feel confident about the anaesthesia process before your operation.

During your phone consultation, your anaesthetist will need to know:

Medical history: including past surgeries, allergies, or any reactions to anaesthesia
Medications: all prescription, over-the-counter, and natural supplements
Lifestyle factors: such as smoking, alcohol use, or other habits that may impact anaesthesia or recovery
Fasting instructions: clear guidelines on when to stop eating and drinking before surgery

It is important to mention all medications you are taking, including blood pressure tablets, blood thinners, diabetes medications, over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and herbal remedies. Spinal anaesthetic complications are rare but may include bleeding (such as a spinal haematoma), infection at the injection site, or allergic reactions to the local anaesthetic. Your anaesthetist will take all necessary precautions and may recommend an alternative approach if certain risk factors are present, such as the use of specific blood thinners.

Anaesthesia plays a key role in your surgical journey, ensuring your comfort and safety from start to finish.

Geriatrician consultation (if recommended)

For some patients, particularly those over 65 or with complex health needs, a pre-operative geriatrician review may be recommended. This helps optimise your medical care, assess any risks, and coordinate recovery planning.

Following the review, the geriatrician will communicate with Dr Hockings and your healthcare team to ensure any recommendations are integrated into your surgical and recovery plan. This may include prehabilitation exercises, medication adjustments, or referrals to allied health providers such as physiotherapists, dietitians, or occupational therapists. The goal is to make your surgery as safe as possible, support your independence, and help you return to your normal activities with confidence.

Final pre-surgery screening and checks

Before your procedure, you may need to complete several simple tests and follow specific skin care instructions to help reduce the risk of infection and ensure you are ready for surgery.

GOLDEN STAPH SCREENING

Dr Hockings will arrange a quick and painless screening test for Staphylococcus aureus (commonly known as golden staph), a bacteria found on the skin or in the nose in about one in four people. While usually harmless, if it enters the body during surgery, it can cause a serious infection.

If your result is positive: You can still go ahead with your surgery, but you will need a short clearance treatment. This includes applying a nasal antibiotic ointment and using an antiseptic body wash daily for seven days before surgery.

URINE TEST

A routine urine test may also be organised to check for hidden urinary tract infections. Even mild infections can increase the risk of complications, so identifying and treating them beforehand is an important safety step.

SKIN CARE BEFORE SURGERY

Protecting your skin in the week before your operation is vital. Avoid cuts, scratches, or insect bites, particularly from gardening, pet handling, or rough activities. Even small wounds near the surgical area can result in surgery being postponed. If you notice any cuts, signs of infection, or if you feel unwell, contact Dr Hockings’ rooms immediately.

You will be provided with three antiseptic sponges to use in the days before surgery:

How to use the antiseptic sponge:

Preparing your home for recovery

Before you go into hospital, set up your home to make your return easier. This may include:

What to bring to hospital

Pack your bag with:

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
Toiletries, phone charger and other personal items
Any mobility aids you normally use (e.g. walking stick)
Current medications in original packaging
Relevant paperwork and identification (Medicare card, insurance details, referral)

On the day of your surgery

On the day of your procedure, you will be admitted to the hospital with all necessary pre-surgery protocols already in place. In most cases, admission occurs on the same day as your surgery to ensure a smooth, streamlined process.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid jewellery, makeup, nail polish, and valuables. Bring only essential items with you, along with your hospital paperwork, identification, and any required medical documents.

Final antiseptic wash

On the morning of your surgery, use the final antiseptic sponge provided to thoroughly wash your body. Follow the same steps you used during the pre-surgery skin preparation:

Fasting instructions

Fasting before surgery is essential for your safety. Having food or drink in your stomach during anaesthesia increases the risk of inhaling stomach contents into your lungs (aspiration), which can be life-threatening.

You must stop eating solid food at least 6 hours before any type of anaesthetic. Water can usually be consumed closer to your admission time, as directed below.

If your surgery is in the morning:

If your surgery is in the afternoon:

Medications on the day

Only take medications approved by your anaesthetist or surgical team. This may include essential heart, blood pressure, or other specific medicines with a small sip of water. Your anaesthetist will provide clear instructions during your pre-surgery consultation.

If you’re experiencing ongoing pain, stiffness, or reduced movement that is affecting your daily activities or quality of life, a thorough orthopaedic assessment can help determine the cause and guide the most appropriate treatment options for your situation.

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