This video goes over some of the elements around the operation – things such as paperwork, hospital arrivals, what to do on discharge and more. It is to be used by our patients to reinforce information that will be given to you, and give you a framework for what happens on the day of surgery. As our patients ask questions, they will be added below. Please feel free to share this with your family or friends who are helping to look after you after your surgery if you require.
When do I stop my blood thinners?
We aim to give each patient a custom plan for their blood thinners (if you are on them). It is important that the decision to stop blood thinners is discussed with you to ensure it is safe to do so. In general, the below applies – please ensure you check with us if you are not sure.
- Aspirin – Stop 2 weeks before surgery (Unless you have a cardiac stent in which case we continue with Aspirin and accept a slightly higher level of post operative bleeding)
- Xarelto/Apixaban/Eloquis/Pradaxa – Stop 4 days before surgery if it is used for Atrial Fibrillation. Do not stop if you are on them for an artificial valve. A custom plan would need to be created for you, which usually includes bridging anti-coagulation.
- Warfarin – Stop 5 days before surgery. Again, if this is for something more than Atrial Fibrillation, then a custom plan would need to be created for you.
- Clopidogrel (Plavix) – Stop 2 weeks before surgery. If this is for a cardiac stent or similar, then we would normally swap this for Aspirin. In general, those on Clopidogrel would need a custom plan created for them based on their risk profile.
- Glucosamine, Fish Oil, Ginkgo, Ginger and other supplements – Please stop these 2 weeks before surgery.
- Anti-inflammatories (Voltaren, Nurofen, Mobic) – Stop 2 weeks before surgery. If you are unable to cope without these, then they post a small risk of bleeding and can be taken ONLY when absolutely necessary during the 2 weeks before surgery. If you can stop them and cope, then please do so.
The above covers most anti-coagulants. If you believe you are on something other than the above and need guidance, please contact us.
How long will I wait between arrival and surgery
This is variable, but is generally in the vicinity of 2-4 hours. I will generally SMS you for our afternoon patients to advise you of an approximate time for surgery so you can relax until then.