Patient Guide
Preparing for Orthopaedic Surgery in Surat
How to prepare for joint replacement or orthopaedic surgery at Vedaant Orthopaedic Center — tests, medication, fasting, and getting your home ready.
In short: Preparation covers three things: making sure you are medically fit, adjusting medication safely, and organising home so recovery is straightforward. Patients who arrive stronger, with dental and diabetes issues sorted and a plan for support at home, recover measurably better.
Tests before surgery
- Blood tests — full blood count, kidney function, blood sugar, clotting and blood group.
- ECG, and a cardiac review where indicated.
- Chest X-ray where there is respiratory history or by age.
- Urine test, since a urinary infection is a source of bacteria that can seed a new implant.
- Dental check. Untreated dental infection is a genuine route to implant infection and should be dealt with beforehand.
- Imaging for planning — templating X-rays to select implant size, and CT where anatomy is unusual.
Medication
Bring a complete list, including anything bought without prescription and any herbal or ayurvedic preparation, several of which affect bleeding.
- Blood thinners need a specific plan — when to stop, whether to bridge, and when to restart. Never stop these on your own.
- Diabetes medication requires adjustment around fasting.
- Blood pressure medication is usually continued, with some exceptions on the morning of surgery.
- Anti-inflammatories are often stopped shortly beforehand because of bleeding risk.
- Immunosuppressants for rheumatoid arthritis are usually paused around surgery to reduce infection risk, in consultation with your rheumatologist.
What you can change that genuinely matters
- Stop smoking. The single most effective thing available to you. It impairs wound and bone healing and raises infection risk. Even weeks of abstinence helps.
- Get diabetes under control. Elevated blood sugar before surgery is strongly associated with wound infection.
- Treat dental problems. Bacteria travel from the mouth to a new implant through the bloodstream.
- Build strength now. Muscle built before surgery is muscle you do not have to rebuild afterwards. Ask for the exercises at your pre-operative visit.
- Correct anaemia. Low haemoglobin makes recovery harder and raises the chance of needing transfusion. It can often be treated in the weeks beforehand.
- Lose weight where you reasonably can. Reduces both surgical difficulty and the load through the new joint.
Book an appointment
Surgery planned? Ask the clinic anything beforehand.
Speak to the clinic directly. Open Monday to Saturday, and Sunday mornings.
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Preparing your home
- A firm chair with arms, at a height you can rise from easily
- A raised toilet seat, particularly after hip surgery
- Loose rugs removed and cables tucked away — falls are the main early hazard
- Everyday items moved to waist height so you are not reaching or bending
- A clear route between bed, bathroom and living area
- Meals prepared and frozen in advance
- Someone available for at least the first few days
- A bed you can get in and out of without deep bending
The day before and the day itself
- Fasting — typically no solid food for six hours and no clear fluids for two before anaesthesia. You will be given exact times; follow them precisely, as surgery is postponed otherwise.
- Wash as instructed, using any antiseptic wash provided.
- Do not shave the operative area yourself — small nicks raise infection risk. Hair is removed in theatre if needed.
- Leave jewellery and valuables at home; remove nail polish so oxygen levels can be monitored.
- Bring your medication list, imaging, insurance documents, loose clothing and flat closed shoes.
- Arrange transport home, and someone to stay the first night.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a dental check matter before joint replacement?
Bacteria from dental infection can enter the bloodstream and settle on a new implant, causing an infection that is difficult to treat. Dealing with dental problems beforehand removes an avoidable risk.
Should I stop my blood thinner?
Only on specific instruction. Stopping without a plan carries its own serious risks. You will be given exact timing, and in some cases a bridging medication.
Does stopping smoking really make a difference this late?
Yes. Even a few weeks reduces wound complications and improves healing. It remains the most impactful single change a patient can make.
Can I eat or drink on the morning of surgery?
Follow the fasting instructions exactly. Typically no solids for six hours and no clear fluids for two hours beforehand. Eating outside these windows means surgery is postponed for safety.
Should I exercise before surgery?
Yes, within comfort. Strengthening the muscles around the joint before surgery shortens rehabilitation afterwards. Ask for a specific programme.
What if I develop a cold or infection beforehand?
Tell the clinic. An active infection anywhere is usually a reason to postpone, because of the risk of bacteria settling on a new implant.
Related treatments
Visit the clinic
Vedaant Orthopaedic CenterUG/9B Galloping Corridor, GD Goenka School Road
(Canal Road – VIP Road)
Surat, Gujarat 395007
| Monday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Thursday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Friday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Saturday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Sunday | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm |
Medically reviewed by Dr Dev Padia, MS Ortho (USA)
Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, Vedaant Orthopaedic Center, Surat.
Last reviewed:
The information on this website is for general guidance and does not replace a personal medical consultation. Please consult a qualified doctor about your own symptoms.