Preparing for Surgery

This page helps you get ready for your operation. It sets out simple steps so you know what to do and what to bring.

Timeline • Checklists • Medicines & Fasting • Infection Prevention • Home Set-up • FAQs

Your Preparation Timeline

• 4–6 weeks before, stop smoking if you can, cut down on alcohol, keep moving every day and plan help at home
• 2 weeks before, have your health check and any tests, and ask about work, driving and time off
• 1 week before, go over your medicines (especially blood thinners and diabetes medicines), confirm the fasting rules and organise a lift home
• 2 days before, do skin washes if advised, and do not shave the area
• The night before, start fasting at the time given, pack your bag, shower and put on clean clothes
• On the day, take only the medicines you were told to take, and bring ID, scans and your medicine list

Checklists

What to Pack

• Photo ID, Medicare/private fund details
• List of medicines and allergies
• Loose clothes, underwear, safe shoes
• Phone & charger, glasses/hearing aids
• Scans or reports (if you have them)

The Day Before & Day Of

• Follow fasting start time exactly
• Shower; put on clean clothes
• No make-up, nail polish, or jewellery
• Take only the meds you were told to take
• Arrange a lift home and a support person

When to Call for Help (before surgery)

• Fever, cough, chest infection, COVID-like symptoms
• New wound, rash, or infection near the surgery area
• Open ulcers on legs/feet (for leg/hip surgery)
• If you are unwell or can’t stop certain meds as advised

Medicines & Fasting

• Blood thinners should only be stopped if your team tells you, and exactly when they say
• Diabetes medicine doses may change before fasting, so follow your written plan
• Some blood pressure tablets and fluid tablets are skipped on the day, so check your plan
• Many herbal medicines and supplements should stop 1–2 weeks before, so ask your team
• No food after the time you are given. Clear water may be allowed up to a set time, so follow your instructions

Always follow the exact plan from your own doctor/anaesthetist. If unsure, ask.

Hormone tablets for menopause that contain oestrogen can raise the risk of blood clots, so talk to your surgeon about them before a joint replacement. Hormone patches or gels do not seem to raise this risk.

Infection Prevention

• Do antiseptic skin washes if advised, and do not shave the area
• See a dentist first if you have tooth or gum problems
• Stop smoking, as even a short break lowers the risk and helps healing
• Keep your blood sugar well controlled, which lowers the risk of infection

Set Up Your Home

• Clear walkways; remove loose mats and cords
• Put daily items at waist height
• Move a chair with arms near where you sit/sleep
• Prepare simple meals for the first week
• Ask family/friends to help with pets, kids, shopping

FAQs

What should I bring to hospital?

Photo ID, Medicare/private fund details, list of medicines and allergies, loose clothes and safe shoes, phone and charger, and any scans or reports.

When do I stop eating and drinking?

Follow the fasting start time from your team. Usually no food after that time. Clear water may be allowed up to a set time, so follow your exact plan.

Should I take my medicines on the day?

Take only the medicines your team told you to take. Blood thinners, diabetes medicines, and some heart or fluid tablets may change, so follow your written plan.

What if I get sick before surgery?

If you have fever, cough, chest infection, COVID-like symptoms, or a new skin infection, contact your team for advice.

Note: This page supports, but does not replace, advice from your own doctor.

If you test positive for COVID-19, your surgery will usually be moved, often by 4 to 8 weeks or longer if you were very unwell.

References

1. Abouharb ALZ, Mehta S, Rathnayake H, Pandit H. Withholding of Hormone Replacement Therapy Prior to Total Joint Arthroplasty Surgery to Reduce the Risk of Postoperative Thromboembolic Events. Is It Justified? A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Arthroplasty. 2024, 39(2), 541-548.e24. PMID 37634878.
2. Khan IA, Zaid MB, Gold PA, Austin MS, Parvizi J, Bedard NA, Jevsevar DS, Hannon CP, Fillingham YA, AAHKS EBM Committee. Making a Joint Decision Regarding the Timing of Surgery for Elective Arthroplasty Surgery After Being Infected With COVID-19. A Systematic Review. J Arthroplasty. 2022, 37(10), 2106-2113.e1. PMID 35533820.