Day before the operation:

Most patients are admitted to hospital on the day before the surgery. At that time:

• You will be interviewed and assessed by a staff nurse who will show you round the ward.
• You will have an identification bracelet fitted to your wrist.
• You will also be given and assisted in wearing a pair of surgical stockings. These are very important as they reduce the risk of developing a blood clot in the legs after the surgery.
• You may also see the physiotherapist who will be treating you after the operation. He or she may go over the exercises that you will need to do after the operation.
• One of the doctors in the team under your specialist will place a indentification mark on the leg which is to be operated upon. This is a very important safeguard against inadvertent surgery carried out on the wrong side. None of my patients are allowed to go to the operating theatre without the leg being clearly marked.
• You will also be seen by an anaesthetist who will be assessing you to ensure that the anesthesia is safe for you. The doctor will be able to answer your questions about the anaesthesia. He may prescribe some medicine called premedication, to reduce your anxiety before the surgery.
• A nurse from the operating theatre may also visit you to talk you through the operation.
• You will be advised to have nothing to eat or drink for atleast 6 hours prior to the surgery.
• You may however be allowed to take your tablets with a sip of water, but you should check that with the nurse in charge.