Preparing for Surgery

Once you and Dr Singh decide that surgery will help you, there are several steps that can be taken to help you achieve the best outcome.

Working with Your Surgeon

• Before surgery, inform Dr Singh of any medical conditions that could interfere with the operation or its outcome. This is best done by filling in the New patient form before you see Dr Singh
  
  
• On the New Patient form, write down any medications you are taking. Certain blood-thinning medications must be stopped before surgery. These include warfarin, aspirin, anti-platelet agents and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. If you are unsure, please call our Clinic Doctor who will advise you when to stop
  
  
• On the New Patient form, write down any medications you are allergic to or are unable to take
  
  
• If you smoke, you should STOP SMOKING at least 4-6 weeks before your surgery and stay off cigarettes for at least 4-6 weeks after the operation. Smoking affects wound healing and increases your risk of a chest infection post-operatively
  
  

Preparing for Your Procedure

• Have someone available to take you home, you will not be able to drive for at least 24 hours
  
  
• Do not drink or eat anything in the car on the trip home
  
  
• The combination of anaesthesia, food, and car motion can quite often cause nausea or vomiting. After arriving home, wait until you are hungry before trying to eat. Begin with a light meal and try to avoid greasy food for the first 24 hours
  
  
• Take your pain medicine as directed. Begin the pain medicine as you start getting uncomfortable, but before you are in severe pain. If you wait to take your pain medication until the pain is severe, you will have more difficulty controlling the pain
  
  
• Dr Singh will give you a handout containing specific post-operative instructions. If you do not receive this, please call our Clinic Doctor or office.
  
  
• You will be contacted by our staff with your post-operative appointment date and time
  
  
• You will be given a Medical Certificate for your employer on the day of surgery
  
  

Your first follow-up appointment

• You will be contacted by our staff with your post-operative appointment date and time
  
  
• Please take your recommended pain medication 1 hour before your first post-operative appointment.
  
  
• It is best to have someone drive you to your first post-operative appointment.