Getting Healthy for Surgery

Steps to Improve Your Recovery and Surgical Outcomes

Getting your body ready for surgery can make a real difference to your recovery. Dr Liddell follows the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) approach, a structured program that focuses on improving your health before, during, and after surgery. This evidence-based approach may help lower the risk of complications, support faster healing, and get you back to moving and doing everyday activities as smoothly as possible.

PRE-OPERATIVE CARE: PREPARING FOR SURGERY

Your journey to surgery begins well before the procedure itself. Dr Liddell will guide you through key steps to optimise your health, helping to improve recovery and reduce potential risks.

Optimising Health Conditions: Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and maintaining a healthy weight, can play a crucial role in minimising surgical risks and supporting a smoother recovery. faster recovery.
Nutritional Support: Good nutrition is essential for muscle strength and healing. Dr Liddell’s team will provide guidance on dietary improvements and, if needed, recommend supplements. Minimising fasting times before surgery can also help reduce fatigue and lower the risk of infection.
Education & Mental Preparation: Understanding what to expect from your surgery can ease anxiety and improve mental well-being. Dr Liddell will provide clear, detailed information about your procedure, so you feel informed and confident.
Discharge Planning: Early planning for your recovery at home ensures a smooth transition post-surgery. Dr Liddell’s team will arrange any necessary home care or outpatient rehabilitation before your surgery, so everything is in place for your return home.

INTRA-OPERATIVE CARE: ADVANCED TECHNIQUES TO ENHANCE RECOVERY

During surgery, Dr Liddell utilises advanced techniques designed to minimise tissue trauma, reduce post-operative pain, and support a faster recovery.

Minimally Invasive Surgery: Smaller incisions and precise surgical techniques help reduce pain, minimise scarring, and promote quicker healing compared to traditional open surgery.
Optimised Anaesthesia: Where possible, regional or local anaesthesia is used instead of general anaesthesia. This approach can lower the impact on your body, reduce complications, and support a smoother recovery.
Local Infiltration Analgesia (LIA): To enhance pain management, a combination of local anaesthetics and pain-relief medications is injected directly into the surgical area. This helps reduce discomfort, allows for earlier movement after surgery, and decreases the need for stronger pain medications.
Supporting Circulation and Healing: Throughout the procedure, the surgical team carefully monitors and maintains blood circulation and oxygen levels to optimise healing and reduce the risk of complications.

POST-OPERATIVE CARE AND REHAB: SUPPORTING A SMOOTHER RECOVERY

The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program is designed to help you regain mobility as soon as possible, with minimal discomfort and a reduced risk of complications. Early movement plays a key role in preventing muscle weakness, improving circulation, and promoting a faster recovery.

Early Mobilisation and Physiotherapy: Moving soon after surgery helps prevent complications such as blood clots and muscle deconditioning. Dr Liddell encourages walking and light movement within hours of your procedure, supporting a quicker return to independence.
Pain Management: A personalised pain relief plan is designed to keep you comfortable without the need for strong sedatives. The focus is on effective pain control that allows you to stay active and participate in rehabilitation.
Rapid Removal of Drains and Catheters: Where possible, drains and catheters are removed early to enhance comfort, improve mobility, and reduce the risk of infection, helping you get back on your feet sooner..
Encouraging Independence: You will be supported to resume everyday tasks such as dressing and washing early in your recovery, empowering you to regain confidence and control over your rehabilitation process.

HOME RECOVERY: A SMOOTHER TRANSITION FROM HOSPITAL TO HOME

The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program is designed to support a safe and efficient transition from hospital to home, helping you recover comfortably while minimising the need for an extended hospital stay.

Coordinated Home Care & Support: Dr Liddell’s team will arrange any necessary home care services before your discharge, ensuring you have the right support in place. This may include physiotherapy, nursing assistance, or mobility aids to help with daily activities.
Clear Recovery Instructions: Before you leave the hospital, you will receive detailed guidance on wound care, pain management, activity levels, and any necessary rehabilitation exercises. You will also be provided with information on recognising any signs of complications and when to seek medical advice.
Gradual Return to Daily Life: Recovery at home involves gradually increasing your activity levels while following a structured rehabilitation plan. Dr Liddell’s approach encourages early movement and independence, helping you regain confidence and mobility as safely as possible.
Ongoing Support & Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and adjust your recovery plan as needed. If you have any questions or require additional support, Dr Liddell’s team is available to assist you throughout your recovery journey.