Patient information

Before your surgery

Once surgery is planned, the rooms will guide you through every step. In general terms:

If Mr Russell feels it is necessary, you will be booked for a pre-admission assessment with our peri-operative physician, Dr Craig Barnett, whose consulting suite is within Epworth Richmond Hospital.

• Epworth Richmond Hospital will contact you before surgery to run through the hospital pre-admission assessment.
• Medications: Mr Russell, your anaesthetist and Dr Barnett will advise which medications to continue and which to stop before surgery. Mr Russell will advise you specifically about blood thinners. For your other medications, Dr Barnett will guide you if you see him before surgery; otherwise your anaesthetist will do so in a phone call the night before. Please do not stop any medication unless you are specifically advised to.
• Fasting: Mr Russell’s rooms will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before your admission.
• If you smoke or vape, stopping even a few weeks before surgery improves healing and lowers the risk of complications.
• Arrange some time off work and a little help at home for the first week or two, and organise a lift home — you won’t be able to drive straight after surgery.
• Pack comfortable clothing, your medication list and your imaging for your hospital stay.

After your surgery

Hospital stay (approximate): most cranial surgery 3–5 days; microdiscectomy or ACDF 1–2 days; laminectomy 2–5 days.

Wounds: leave dressings intact until your GP review at 7–10 days. Spinal wounds are usually closed with internal dissolving sutures, and cranial wounds with external dissolving sutures. Sometimes staples are used instead, which will need removing at your GP review.

Activity: gentle walking is encouraged early. After spinal surgery, avoid heavy lifting, bending and twisting until Mr Russell advises otherwise.

Driving: generally no driving for two weeks after spinal surgery, and longer for some procedures. Driving after brain surgery must be discussed with Mr Russell, as some surgery carries a seizure risk.

Returning to work: this depends on your occupation and the procedure — light duties are often possible within a few weeks. Mr Russell will give you individual guidance.

Follow-up: you’ll be reviewed in the rooms, typically at six weeks after surgery. Imaging is generally not required, but if it is, you’ll be advised beforehand.

Red flags — call the rooms immediately if you have increasing pain, fever, fluid leaking from the wound, or new weakness or numbness. If there is no answer, see your GP or go to your nearest emergency department.

New-patient forms

New patients can provide their details before the first visit — bringing this completed saves time at your appointment.

Telehealth

Telehealth consultations are available for suitable appointments — particularly reviews, second opinions, and patients in regional or interstate locations. You’ll need a current referral, a quiet private space, and a smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera. Where a hands-on examination is needed, an in-person visit may be recommended. Ask the rooms whether telehealth is appropriate for your appointment.

Our consultations are held over Zoom. If you haven’t used it before, our step-by-step telehealth guide walks you through downloading Zoom, testing your camera and microphone, and joining on the day.

Cancellations

We understand circumstances change. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give as much notice as possible so the time can be offered to another patient. A fee will apply for cancellations inside 24 hours, and non-attendance will incur the full consultation fee if not advised prior to the day.

Feeling anxious about surgery?

It is completely normal to feel anxious about brain or spine surgery. Mr Russell takes the time to explain your condition, the options, the risks and the expected recovery, so you can make an informed decision and feel confident in your care. If anything is worrying you before or after your procedure, please call the rooms — no question is too small.