Your Operation

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Before Your Surgery

Following your consultation with Dr Graham, our staff will assist you with the following:

  • Location and date of surgery

  • Informed financial consent

  • If you require a procedure before the surgery (such as lymphoscintigraphy for a sentinel lymph node biopsy or tumour localisation), our staff will assist with the booking and ensure you have all the necessary details

  • You will be notified (usually the day before surgery) of fasting times and when to arrive at the hospital

In the lead up to surgery, Dr Graham recommends that you take the following steps to help improve your recovery:

  • Cease smoking

  • Exercise regularly

  • Eat a healthy, nutritious diet

On the Day of Your Surgery

You will need to present to the admissions counter of the hospital. You will be notified (usually the day before surgery) of when to arrive at the hospital.

Please bring the following items with you to hospital:

  • All imaging (including x-rays, mammograms and ultrasounds) and any investigation results

  • All regular medications

  • If you are having breast surgery, Dr Graham recommends you wear a soft, supportive, front-opening bra after surgery.

If you are staying overnight, please also bring:

  • Comfortable, front-opening pajamas

  • Toiletries

  • Sleep aids such as CPAP devices if you use them 

Your Anaesthetic

You will be contacted by your anaesthetist prior to surgery. They will provide you with information about your anaesthetic. Dr Graham encourages you to ask questions and voice any concerns you may have when speaking to them. 

After Your Surgery

If you are having a “Day Only” procedure, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you overnight. If you do not have anyone who can do this, Dr Graham will arrange for you to stay in hospital overnight. Your follow-up appointment will be arranged for you before you leave hospital.

If you are being admitted to hospital to stay overnight, you will be seen by Dr Graham the day after surgery and on subsequent days that you stay. Timing of your discharge will be discussed with you. Prior to discharge, you will be given instructions on how to care for yourself and your wounds and your follow-up appointment will be arranged.

Please see below for information about Post Operative Care specific to your surgery.

Post Operative Wound Care