Preparation for Surgery

Regular Medications

In most cases regular medications can be continued up to and including the day of surgery.

The exception is drugs that increase bleeding risk such as;

  • Aspirin and aspirin containing medications such as Cartia, Astrix, Cardiprin and many others. Also many cold and flu preparations contain aspirin so please check before taking them.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications such as Nurofen, Brufen, Voltaren, Naprogesic
  • Anticoagulants such as Warfarin, Plavix, Clopidegrol, Pradaxa

 

In most cases these will need to be ceased one week to 10 days prior to surgery. If you are taking these medications please discuss with me prior to stopping them. I may need to liaise with your general practitioner or cardiologist before ceasing any medications you are on.

 

Some of the newer diabetic medications are contraindicated with general anaesthetics. Please advise us if you are on diabetes medication

Occasional Medications

If before surgery you need painkillers please take Panadol or Panadeine only. Aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications (Nurofen etc.) increase your risk of intraoperative and post-operative bleeding.

Herbal and Naturopathic preparations

Many of these have an effect on clotting. Particularly fish oil and many others however do increase the risk of bleeding. Overall probably around one third of herbal and naturopathic medications do this. The effect is unpredictable so I request that all these medications be stopped 10 days prior to surgery.

What to bring to hospital

  • Your regular medications.
  • Personal items such as toiletries, pyjamas etc.
  • Medicare card and health insurance details.

If you have any queries please contact my staff at my rooms on 8363 0677