Patient Information
This guide outlines essential pre- and post-surgery instructions, including medication adjustments, wound care, driving limits, follow-up plans, and contact details for urgent or routine concerns.
Peri-Operative Information
Before Surgery
Blood Thinners
To reduce the risk of bleeding, please stop the following medications (unless advised otherwise):
- Aspirin – stop 7 days before surgery
- Clopidogrel or Prasugrel – stop 7 days before
- Warfarin – stop 4–5 days before and have your INR checked
- Dabigatran (Pradaxa) – stop 48–72 hours before
- Apixaban (Eliquis) – stop 48–72 hours before
- Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) – stop 48–72 hours before
Diabetic Medications
Certain diabetic medications increase the risk of general anaesthetic and must be stopped prior to surgery:
- Dapagliflozin (Forxiga) – stop 3 days before
- Empagliflozin (Jardiance, Jardiamet, Xigduo) – stop 3 days before
Please inform us if you become unwell in the days before surgery, as this may affect the safety of proceeding.
After Spine Surgery
- The incision is typically closed with dissolving sutures – no removal needed.
- Keep the dressing intact for at least 4 days. You may shower with waterproof dressings in place.
- Driving is not recommended for 1–2 weeks post-surgery.
- You will see a physiotherapist in hospital who will guide your activity.
- Mild pain or soreness around the incision is common.
- Nerve symptoms (e.g., sciatica or arm pain) may take several weeks to resolve.
After Brain Surgery (Craniotomy)
- Sutures will be removed 7 days after surgery, ideally by your GP or practice nurse.
- Keep the wound dry for 4 days. When washing your hair, use a gentle shampoo and pat dry.
- Driving restrictions apply post-craniotomy, in line with Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) regulations. This will be discussed during your consultation.
Post-Operative Follow-Up
- You will receive a check-in call at 3 weeks post-surgery.
- A review with Dr Fairhall will occur around 6 weeks after surgery.
- If results or complications require earlier review, we will contact you to arrange an appointment.
- It is normal to feel tired or to have variable recovery days in the first few weeks. Be patient with your progress.
Urgent Concerns or Questions
For non-urgent questions or administrative help, please email or call the rooms during business hours.
If you have an urgent medical issue, especially within 24 hours of surgery, please attend the St Vincent’s Hospital Emergency Department for immediate care.
Cancellations and Rescheduling
As Dr Fairhall is often on-call for neurosurgical emergencies, appointments may occasionally need to be rescheduled at short notice. We appreciate your understanding.
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice so that we can offer the slot to another patient.
Missed appointments or late cancellations will incur a cancellation fee, which must be paid before future appointments are scheduled.
Book a consultation with Dr Jacob Fairhall
To receive further information and to organise an initial consultation with Dr Fairhall, please contact our team.