Preparing for Surgery

Once you and Dr Gupta decide that surgery will help you, it is important to prepare both mentally and physically to give you the best possible outcome.

We understand that going ahead with surgery can be stressful, both for the individual and the family. We therefore do our utmost to make the journey as comfortable as possible, and please do not hesitate to call the Rooms on (02) 9519 1919 at any time for any concerns you may have.

Surgery Cost

A surgical quotation will be provided to you prior to your procedure. This may include “out of pocket” expenses, according to the Australian Medical Association (AMA) schedule.

Anaesthetics

Prior to your surgery you will either be reviewed by the Specialist Anaesthetist either in the pre-admission clinic or phone contact will be made. Your Anaesthetist will assist in coordinating your pre-operative medical care and post-operative pain management. Your Anaesthetist will assess you and advise as to the safest and most appropriate form of anaesthesia for your surgery. You will have an opportunity to discuss your anaesthetic, as well as any fees associated with the anaesthetic service.  Please bring any medical and anaesthetic history to the attention of the Anaesthetist.

For private patients, Dr Gupta has worked closely for many years with Dr Scott Lockley, Dr Mark Porter and Dr Hugh Longworth. If these Anaesthetists are not available, another suitable Specialist Anaesthetist will be organised for your surgery. Our Anaesthetists are very familiar with Orthopaedic Surgery, and do their utmost to ensure safe surgery and minimal post-operative pain and nausea, in order to allow quick mobilisation following surgery. 

Prior to Surgery:

  • Discuss any medications you are taking with Dr Gupta and your family physician to see which ones you should stop taking before surgery 
  • If you are overweight, losing weight before surgery will help decrease the stress you place on your new joint. However, you should not diet during the month before your surgery 
  • If you are taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications or warfarin or any drugs that increase the risk of bleeding, you will need to stop taking them one week before surgery to minimise bleeding 
  • If you smoke, you should stop or cut down to reduce your surgery risks and improve your recovery 
  • If you have any tooth, gum, bladder or bowel problems treated before surgery to reduce the risk of infection later