Procedures before the surgery

Several weeks before the surgery, it is recommended to increase physical activity, at least daily walk. This improves physical fitness, strengthens the immune system and allows for easier recover. Prior to surgery, you should visit a dentist to remove any possible focal infection (caries, granuloma), since they can be the source of infection in the postoperative period. Depending on the type of scheduled surgery, the patient has to undergo certain examinations according to the proposed forms. Specifically, we want to point out, that for the operation of inserting artificial hip prosthesis,, it is necessary to have a sterile urine culture and additionally for certain operations on the recommendation of the surgeon, other microbiological test results (nose or throat swab, or swab of the armpit or the groin) may be required. If the patient suffers from some chronic or sever acute diseases (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, etc.), it is necessary to require the results and opinion of his/her personal physician and of the adequate specialist with a description of the disease, a list of medication the patient uses and an opinion of the specialist on the patient’s ability for the scheduled surgery.

In agreement with our hospital, the anaesthesiologist will determine which drugs the patient will take until the surgery and which he has to stop taking if necessary.

We prefer to receive the results of the required laboratory tests and a filled-in questionnaire about the patient’s health condition (if not already filled in while arranging the surgery) prior to the patient’s hospital admission (fax number 051/273901, email, etc.), but no later than Wednesday of the week before the scheduled date of surgery. Based on this, the anaesthesiologist will be able to determine the need for any additional specialist examinations or diagnostic tests.

It is recommended to stop smoking for at least 4-5 weeks before surgery (postoperative complications are more common in smokers). During that time, the patient must stop consuming alcohol as well. Seven days before the operation, it is necessary to stop taking drugs that may affect blood clotting (Andol, Aspirin) and preferably stop taking NSAIDs (Voltaren, Lubor, Erazon, Ibuprofen, Ketonal, Indometacin, etc.). If the patient is taking drugs that significantly affect blood clotting (Marivarin and similar drugs), it is of utmost importance to arrange the protocol of quitting taking these drugs with the anaesthesiologist of our hospital. Even so, a week before the surgery, the patient should stop taking herbal or other alternative medicines and remedies.

A few days before the surgery, it is recommended to eat "light” food (less mass and more fibres, vitamins and minerals), to facilitate cleaning of the body before the surgery and to speed up recovery.