It is important to keep yourself as healthy as possible. We advise you to see your GP prior to surgery to discuss any health concerns and their treatment such as anaemia or problems with your heart, lungs, and kidneys. Medical complications may lead to your surgery not going ahead so please ensure these are addressed promptly.
Optimising your blood sugars if you have diabetes will help reduce the risk of infections and complications following surgery.
Maintain a healthy diet rich in nutrients, especially proteins, which will help with healing. Ensure you stay hydrated before and after your surgery to prevent drowsiness and headaches. This could hamper your rehabilitation and increase the risk of falling, developing pressure ulcers or urinary tract infections.
Stopping smoking prior to your surgery could prevent complications of your heart and lungs, as well as reduce the risk of infections and the time it takes for your wound and bones to heal.
Undergo dental checks prior to your surgery to ensure you don’t have any tooth infections, abscesses or cavities as this infection can spread in the blood to other parts of the body.
It may be worth having an eye test prior to your surgery to optimise your eyesight and reduce the risk of falls post operatively.
Please let us know if you have any skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, rashes, ulcers, sores, or skin breaks, especially on your lower legs. This could be a portal for bacteria to enter the blood stream and potentially affect your surgery.
Ensure you have been given a leaflet by your consultant about the surgery you are having and that you read this carefully. Prepare your home to make life easier for you when you return. For example, having essential items within easy reach, stocking up your fridge / freezer, have pre-prepared meals and removing any trip hazards. If there are physiotherapy exercises do start these to build your strength and familiarity of what you need to do post-operatively which will aid your recovery.
A video explaining the benefits of elective surgical hubs produced by The Patients Association, in partnership with the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme, is available below.
Further information and guidance about how you can prepare for and recover from a range of surgical procedures can be found on the Surrey iMSK website - Surrey iMSK - Welcome to the Surrey Integrated Musculoskeletal Service
