Generally, you will be required to check into the hospital on the day of your operation, although in some instances, you may have to stay overnight prior to your procedure. Our team can provide the necessary details about when and how to arrive for admission.
You need to report to the hospital admission office with your Medicare card and insurance details, as well as any x-ray films that you possess. You should hand all of these documents to a member of the team, who will then process your papers. Once this is complete, you will be escorted to your bed.
Once admitted, Professor Al Muderis will come and see you – this may be as you’re admitted, on the ward, in the pre-op room or in a holding bay. You will be asked a series of routine questions designed to ensure the information we hold regarding you, your condition, and your procedure, is correct. This is our established protocol. These questions will include:
Once we have collected all neccessary information, and you have had chance to ask any questions that you may have, your surgical site will be marked in pen with an arrow and an initial.
Once you have been taken to your assigned bed. your nurse may proceed to ask further questions and measure your vitals statistics (e.g., temperature, blood pressure). They can also help you to change into your hospital gown, should you require assistance.
To ensure that you’re well prepared for your operation, your anaesthetist may visit with you to ask further questions and carry out an examination. Thereafter, you will be given time to rest until you’re taken into the operating theatre. Please understand that, very occasionally, waiting times can vary as a result of events beyond the control of your care team. Your patience and understanding are appreciated.
Once the theatre is prepared, you will be brought to the door of the theatre on a gurney by a member of the theatre team. Your nominated friend or family member will not be able to pass this point, unless you are under 18 years of age and require an adult to be present.
Depending on your hospital, you may be directed to the pre-op unit, or to the theatre holding bay. A staff member will confirm your information, double-check your surgical site and consent form.
Once you are in theatre, your anaesthesia will be administered to ensure sedation and pain relief during your operation.
The duration of your surgery can vary considerably depending on your procedure, although between one and three hours is a typical range. It is not unusual for a procedure to exceed this upper guide, especially for very complex cases.
Once your procedure is completed, your surgical wound will be sutured and dressed and you will be transferred to a recovery area for monitoring while the effect of your anaesthesia wears off.
Patients who have orthopedic surgery often feel better an immediate relief from their previous symptoms, although they still require a healing period in which the body can adjust and recover. For some patients, it may take weeks or months to feel completely better. The rate and quality of recovery is the result of various factors, including health status and procedure.
On the first days after your procedure, nursing staff will monitor your vital signs and fluid intake/output, and your surgical team will check your progress. Depending on hospital regulations, family members may be permitted to visit you.
Mobilisation will begin as soon as is practicable. On the day after your surgery, you will meet with a hospital physiotherapist who will help you to stand. On the same day, your drainage tubes and urinary catheter may be removed.
Your physiotherapist will continue to visit every day. Once they are confident of your mobility, and providing your recovery is progressing normally and you are otherwise healthy, you may be discharged.
For further inquiries or to arrange a consultation, please contact Professor Al Muderis’ office at +61 2 88829011 or book an appointment online.
Need an urgent appointment? No problem.
Need X-rays? X-ray facilities available at all clinic locations
Professor Dr Munjed Al Muderis is an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in osseointegration, hip, knee and trauma surgery. He is a clinical professor at Macquarie University and The Australian School Of Advanced Medicine, a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and Chairman of the Osseointegration Group.