Who will perform the surgery?
- Mr Ng will personally perform the surgery.
What anaesthesia will I have?
- All anaesthetic techniques are available and the final choice is made after taking into consideration of the specific type of surgery you will undergo, your overall health and condition.
- General anaesthesia (GA): you will be put to sleep for the duration of the surgery. This is often combined with regional or local anaesthesia for postoperative pain relief
- Regional anaesthesia: the limb will be temporarily ‘blocked’ and ‘paralysed’ with injections in the neck or armpit. The limb will continue to feel numb (thus painless) in the immediate postoperative recovery period
- Local anaesthesia only or wide-awake technique: Local anaesthetic agent is injected directly around the operative site such that the area would feel numb.
- Modern anaesthesia is incredibly safe. Regardless of the technique, your safety and comfort will always be our priorities.
Do I need to fast?
- If you are having a general anaesthesia or sedation for the procedure, you will need to fast. In other words, you should not eat any food or drink coffee, milk or juice for at least 6 hours prior to having anaesthesia. However you may drink clear water up to 2 hours before the planned procedure.
- If you are having regional anaesthesia (‘blocks’) only, we would advise you to observe fasting rules as above.
- If you are having local anaesthesia only or wide awake hand surgery, no fasting is required.
You will have the opportunity to discuss with your anaesthetist your specific needs and concerns prior to surgery.
Should I stop my medications?
- Please provide the full list of your regular medications in order for Mr Ng and your anaesthetist to advise you accordingly.
How about anticoagulants (such as aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin)?
- Aspirin – continue
- Clopidogrel – continue
- Warfarin – so long as INR is less than 3
It is generally safe to perform hand and wrist surgery with continuing anticoagulants. Disrupting the regular intake may pose more harm and cause greater inconvenience to you. However please do discuss any queries you may have with Mr Ng and your anaesthetist.
What do I need to bring on the day of surgery?
- If you are having day case procedure, come in comfortable clothing. If you are staying overnight, you may wish to bring wash bags and toiletries. We would also recommend a pair of slippers and bathrobe.
- All patients may require some waiting before the operation. Some light reading material or an electronic tablet could help you pass the time.
- Avoid bringing any valuable items.
Will I need to stay overnight?
- Most hand, wrist and peripheral nerve surgeries are performed as a Day Case. In other words, you will be discharged within the same day of the operation. In some situations, where the surgery has been performed in the evening, it may be advisable to stay overnight.
Who will I see after my surgery?
- Mr Ng will check that you are comfortable and safe before discharge. You will then be followed up in the outpatient departments, including:
- Dressing clinic (attended by a nurse)
- Therapy clinic (attended by a specialist physiotherapist)
- Consultant clinic (reviewed by Mr Ng)
- The follow up plan will be confirmed prior to your discharge.
What if things go wrong?
- While every effort is taken to ensure that the operation and postoperative care are carried out safely and effectively, complications could still occur. These are fortunately rare.
- If you have any concerns with the operation or the care that you have received, please contact Mr Ng. Any of the team members (secretary, therapist and nurses) will also be happy to address your concerns.
- For emergency issues, you may contact Mr Ng via the hospital switchboard. For non-urgent queries, you may contact the secretary.