You are here

Your Surgery and Post-operative Care

Dr Sunil Reddy and his team make every effort to make your surgery and post-operative stay as comfortable and smooth as possible. We understand that it can be a stressful and difficult time for many of you. Please feel free to talk to Dr Reddy or his team on 08 8232 8899 for any and all enquiries relating to your surgery. We would be glad to assist in any way we can.

Learn more about the following topics below:

Before your Surgery

  • Dr Sunil Reddy will discuss with you the benefits, risks, complications and expectations of the surgical procedure during the initial consultation.
  • For most surgeries Dr Reddy will provide you a patient information sheet.
  • This website, drsunilreddy.com.au is an excellent source of information about your surgery, postoperative recovery and physiotherapy protocols. Please have a read or/and view the patient-information videos relevant to your condition.
  • Dr Reddy operates at multiple hospitals for the convenience of his patients and their families/friends.

He would be glad to perform the surgery at a hospital closest to your home. Some patients need observation or overnight stay in the Critical Care Unit (ICU or HDU) following surgery, which would mean performing the surgery at a hospital with critical care facilities. Dr Reddy and/or the anaesthetist will discuss with you the same during the consultation.

View Hospital / Surgery Locations

  • Our staff will confirm the date and time of surgery and also your first post-operative appointment before the surgery.
  • You may be required to undergo X-rays, CT or MRI scan and/or blood tests prior to your surgery.
  • You may need to fill out an online patient details sheet or a paper form (the former is expeditious and easy) for the hospital where surgery is scheduled. Dr Reddy and his staff will assist you with the same.

On the day of surgery

  • Please do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours prior to your surgery. Clear fluids (No milk, fruit juices) can be consumed up to 4 hours prior to the surgery.
  • Unless advised otherwise, please take your medication for hypertension on the morning of surgery with half a cup of water.
  • You may need to cease anti-coagulants like Plavix, warfarin, apixaban, etc. 3-7 days prior to surgery, based on the drug being taken. Dr Reddy and/or the anaesthetist will advise you regarding the same during the consultation.
  • Please arrive at the hospital 45-60 minutes prior to your surgery, unless advised otherwise.
  • Please let the staff know if you have fever, cough, cold, recent skin tears/injuries, urine infection, etc. Anaesthesia or surgery may not be safe for an elective surgical procedure under some of these conditions.
  • Please remember to bring your imaging films and reports including X-rays, CT or MRI scans to the hospital.

Post-operative recovery and stay at the hospital

  • Please refer to the specific surgical procedures on this website for a detailed overview of the recovery and rehabilitation guidelines relevant to your surgery.
  • Most patients have a nerve block as a part of multi-modal pain relief protocol. This ensures best possible control of pain for the first 24 hours. It also means that your arm or leg may be numb and weak when you wake up from anaesthesia.
  • We would ensure appropriate analgesia following your surgery apart from the nerve blocks.
  • Major surgical procedures require antibiotics for up to 24 hours following surgery and no more. Day procedures do not require postoperative antibiotics.
  • Prophylaxis against blood clots in the legs and lungs is an important component of postoperative protocol for major orthopaedic surgery of the lower limb. Getting up and about and performing calf-pumps and other exercises advised on the same day of surgery is essential to minimise the risk. Dr Reddy will advise the medications for DVT prophylaxis.
  • In most patients, the sutures are absorbable meaning no suture removal is necessary. The dressings are waterproof allowing you to shower over them. There may be a cotton and bandage wrapping over the operated area, which should be removed after 24 hours.
  • Apply Icepacks 4-5 times daily for the first week for swelling and pain control.

Day Surgery patients

  • You would be able to go home after 3-4 hours following surgery
  • Occasionally post-operative pain, nausea or need for a more invasive procedure during surgery may need an overnight stay. Dr Reddy will advise you regarding the same if required.
  • You would not be able to drive on the day of surgery. Please organise a friend or family to drive you home.
  • Remove the outer bandage the next day. Apply Icepacks and take pain relief medication as advised.
  • Our staff will organise an appointment within 10-14 days of your surgery and confirm the same by phone.
  • Call Dr Reddy’s Rooms on 08 8232 8899 for any queries or concerns.

In-patient surgery

  • Dr Sunil Reddy will see you the day after surgery.
  • Overnight stay in a Critical care unit may be required in high-anaesthetic risk individuals or patients with specific medical problems.
  • Dr Reddy and/or the Physiotherapist will help you get up and about and advise you the exercises to be performed.
  • The duration of stay depends on the surgical procedure performed and can be between 2 to 5 days on an average. The discharge is not days-based but criterion-based and depends on your recovery, pre-operative health and function and home situation.
  • Ongoing physiotherapy after discharge will be organised if required.
  • Our staff will organise an appointment within 10-14 days of your surgery and confirm the same by phone.
  • Please follow the advice and perform the exercises regularly to give yourself the best chance of recovery.

Related Topics

Shoulder Rehabilitation Protocols

Knee Rehabilitation Protocols