Pre-operative advice for patients preparing for orthopaedic surgery with A/Prof Lukas Ernstbrunner
To ensure your surgery goes smoothly and safely, please read the following guidelines carefully. If you have any questions or changes in your health leading up to surgery, don’t hesitate to contact us.
One Week Before Surgery
Avoid medications containing aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and Vitamin E unless directed otherwise. These can increase your risk of bleeding.
Stop herbal supplements such as St. John’s Wort, Gingko, Ginger, Biloba, and Feverfew.
Do not shave the surgical area — this will be done professionally if needed.
Quit smoking and alcohol at least 24 hours prior to surgery to reduce anaesthetic risks and improve healing.
The Day Before Surgery
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight unless advised otherwise. This includes food, water, chewing gum, mints, and cigarettes.
You may shower or bathe the evening before or the morning of surgery, but avoid swallowing water.
The Day of Surgery
Take your regular morning blood pressure or heart medications with a small sip of water, unless instructed otherwise by your surgeon or anaesthetist.
Do not wear makeup, contact lenses, jewellery (including piercings), nail polish, or acrylic nails.
If you wear glasses, bring them instead of contact lenses.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, preferably a button-up shirt for ease of dressing post-surgery.
Surgery Timing & Logistics
Your surgery time will be discussed with you during or after your consultation. Further details regarding hospital admission, fasting, and pre-operative preparation will be confirmed by phone in the days before your procedure.
You may be contacted by your anaesthetist if a medical review is needed before surgery, especially if you have existing health conditions.
Fasting & Medications
You will be advised of your exact fasting time based on the timing of your operation.
Most medications can be continued, but blood thinners or other specific drugs may need to be stopped — this will be discussed with you prior to surgery.
Hospital Stay
The length of your stay depends on the procedure:
Day surgeries (e.g., arthroscopies, minor fracture fixation) often allow you to go home the same day.
Major surgeries (e.g., joint replacements) usually require a hospital stay of one or more nights.
A/Prof Ernstbrunner will discuss this with you during your consultation.
What to Bring to Hospital
Comfortable clothes and sleepwear (button-up tops are recommended for shoulder/arm surgery)
Mobile phone and/or laptop charger
Snacks, toiletries, and your regular medications
Private health insurance details or card
A support person to drop you off and collect you after discharge
Telehealth Appointments
If you live regionally or have limited ability to travel, Telehealth consultations are available. These offer a convenient alternative to in-person visits without compromising on care. Please arrange for a quiet, private space for your consultation. To request a Telehealth appointment, contact our rooms.
When to Contact Us
Please let us know as soon as possible if:
You develop a cold, cough, fever, skin abrasion (especially near the surgical area), or any change in your health
You need to cancel or postpone surgery
Your medications or medical condition change significantly
These factors may affect the timing or safety of your procedure, and your care plan may need to be adjusted.
Reconstructive Orthopaedics Melbourne (ROM)
ROM's purpose is to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve lives — through reconstructive orthopaedic surgery grounded in science, and through research that redefines what’s possible in musculoskeletal surgery.