Francois J Duminy

PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON

How to Prepare for Hand Surgery

Arrange a consultation with the surgeon (Make a consultation booking)
 

At Consultation you will find out if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure (not everyone is)

You will also be able to discuss the treatment options and find the best option for you.
 

Obtain a quote for the procedure so that you can plan finances.
 

When you are ready, schedule an operation date and pay your booking deposit
 

Prepare your body:

  • Keep fit
  • Stop smoking!
  • Stop taking anticoagulant medications such as Disprin, Aspirin, Ginko Biloba, Evening Primrose oil, Omega 3 Salmon Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Arnica and Vitamin E at least 10 days before your procedure. (If these substances have been prescribed by your doctor, then please discuss with your surgeon and the prescribing doctor whether they should be stopped) .
  • Do NOT sunburn/sunbathe your hands pre-operatively, if your hand shows signs of sunburn, the procedure will be postponed
     

Schedule an appointment with one of our Registered Nurse Practitioner Consultants who will

  • Re-discuss the details of the procedure with you.
  • Give you an opportunity to ask questions
  • Give you a pack containing useful items for the peri-operative period.
  • Give you an appropriate prescription for post-operative medication.
  • Go through the informed consent document with you

     

If you do not have Medical Insurance, pay the remainder of the procedure fee at least one week before the procedure to facilitate ordering and preparing of special materials, drapes and instruments

 

Immediate Pre-Op Checklist

Arrange to be transported too and from the procedure by another person (You Cannot Drive After Conscious Sedation and/or with bandaged hands)

Make a note of accompanying person's contact details to hand to us

Stay "Nil Per Mouth" for 6 hours before your scheduled procedure time

Shower head to toe with medicated shampoo to reduce the bacterial load on the skin ( you will receive this shampoo in your pre-op bag at the preparatory consultation with the Nurse.

Give your hands an extra wash with attention to scrubbing your nails and the little webs between your fingers

Wear loose clothing

Pre-arrange some ways to keep your hand elevated (higher than your heart and, the higher the better) especially while you are resting or sleeping. this can vary from a pillowcase sling on a dripstand to padded cardboard boxes to extra pillows (but make a plan and plan ahead)

Ensure that you have some packs of frozen peas in the Freezer to help with post-op swelling

Pre-arrange Physiotherapy sessions for rehabilitation which starts immediately after the operation.

Give yourself enough time for a relaxed approach.

 

Post-Operative Care

Elevate the hand to reduce swelling, especially when you sleep.

You may shower and wash your hands immediately after the bandages have been removed. Bathing and swimming only from day 7.

Arrange your "Suture Removal" consultation with the Registered Nurse Practitioner and pay careful attention to the " instructions that you will be given.

Smoking will kill any grafts and impede wound healing, even secondary smoke may do it - DONT SMOKE, Not Even One!