In the week before surgery
Most of Dr Ma's procedures are performed as day surgery — you arrive at the hospital, have the procedure, and return home the same day. Good preparation helps everything run smoothly and reduces the risk of complications.
- Confirm your admission time with the hospital — this is separate from the surgical booking
- Arrange a responsible adult to drive you home — you cannot drive after surgery or sedation
- Arrange for someone to stay with you at home for the first night if possible
- Prepare your home: move frequently used items within easy reach of your non-operated hand
- Fill post-operative prescriptions in advance — pain relief and antibiotics if prescribed
- Inform Dr Ma's rooms of any changes to your health since your consultation
- Remove nail polish and acrylic nails from the hand being operated on
- Do not apply creams, lotions, or moisturiser to the operated hand on the day of surgery
Medications — important instructions
MedicationsTell Dr Ma and the anaesthetist about ALL medications you take — including blood thinners, anti-inflammatories, supplements, and diabetes medications. Some must be stopped before surgery. Never stop a medication without specific advice from Dr Ma or your prescribing doctor.
Blood thinners that commonly require adjustment before surgery include warfarin, apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), clopidogrel (Plavix), and regular aspirin. Dr Ma's rooms will coordinate with your GP about when and whether to pause these medications.
Fasting requirements depend on the type of anaesthetic. The hospital will provide specific written instructions. As a general guide:
- 6 hours before admission time: No solid food, milk, or opaque liquids
- 2 hours before admission time: No clear fluids (water, black tea, apple juice)
- Regular medications: Can usually be taken with a small sip of water — confirm with the anaesthetist
- These are general guidelines only — always follow the hospital's specific written instructions
What to bring on the day of surgery
- Medicare card and private health insurance details
- Your full medication list
- Any pre-operative test results requested (blood tests, ECG)
- Comfortable, loose clothing — a button-up shirt is much easier than a pullover
- Leave jewellery, valuables, and nail polish at home
- Your driver — they must remain contactable and available to collect you after surgery
