Dr Tunnicliffe Pre-op Information Sheet

Pre-operative information from Dr Tunnicliffe

Authorisation: Kingsbury Hospital practice number 5808480; Dr Tunnicliffe's practice number 4206266. Office: 021 203 3893. Email: info@capetownvascular.co.za.

Medication

• Inform Dr Tunnicliffe and especially the anaesthetist of any medication you are taking, especially Warfarin, Plavix/Clopidogrel, Ecotrin/Aspirin and Enoxaparin. These may need to be stopped seven days before surgery.
• Tell the team about any herbal supplements.
• Take your regular medication on the day of surgery only if cleared by the doctor and anaesthetist beforehand.

Prior to surgery

• Wash your whole body, especially the surgical site, with Chlorhexidine soap the day before surgery.
• Do not shave the surgical site. This will be done in theatre.
• If you smoke, try not to smoke on the day of surgery.

Day of surgery

• Do not mark the surgical site. The doctor will do this with you immediately before surgery.
• Do not eat solid food for six hours before the operation. Clear fluids are allowed until three hours before.
• Leave jewellery, watches and valuables at home. Remove contact lenses, and wear glasses instead.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat shoes.
• You will be admitted on the day of surgery. Confirm admission with the office and complete hospital pre-admission beforehand.

Bring with you

• Medical aid card
• Identity document
• Authorisation number from your medical aid
• Clothes, personal hygiene products and dressing gown

After surgery

• A prescription will be provided for post-operative pain relief.
• You may not drive home or go home alone. Arrange collection from the hospital.
• A follow-up is normally scheduled one week after surgery. If you do not have one, call the rooms on 021 203 3893.
• Depending on the operation, you may be unable to drive for three days to two weeks. The doctor will confirm this at follow-up.

COVID-19 guidelines on the original sheet

• Routine testing is no longer required for vaccinated asymptomatic patients having day procedures.
• Pre-admission testing is required for planned overnight stays or longer.
• Patients who tested positive within the previous 90 days do not need a pre-admission test unless symptomatic.

If you have questions or concerns, call 021 203 3893.