RECOMMENDED PROTOCOL FOR PATIENTS COMING FROM OVERSEAS PRIOR TO SURGERY

  1. For flights of four hours duration or longer, e.g. coming in from USA or UK, the patient's itinerary should ensure that the patient arrives in New Zealand 3 or 4 days prior to scheduled surgery. For shorter flights, patients should allow at least two days prior to surgery
  2. Patients should not smoke for at least six weeks prior to the surgery date, and for at least three weeks after surgery.
  3. Patients should be aware that they can become dehydrated and should limit alcohol consumption during the flight but should drink plenty of water.
  4. Patients are at increased risk of respiratory infection following international flights. I advise my patients to take 1gm twice daily of Vitamin C for 10 days prior to surgery to enhance immune function. Vitamin A, 30,000 - 50,000 international units daily is also beneficial.
  5. Patients should not take aspirin, Disprin or anti-inflammatories prior to surgery. However, I advise patients who are coming by air to take half an aspirin (dose 150 mg) ten days before their operation. This will act as a blood thinner to guard against DVT, but will not be sufficient to impact on their bleeding time during surgery.
  6. Patients should read literature provided by the airline with regard to DVT(deep vein thrombosis) and ensure that any medication they are currently taking does not put them at risk.
  7. Please advise me of any existing or potential medical problems and send a detailed list of any medication you are taking.
  8. Women should discontinue the oral contraceptive pill (ideally) for six weeks prior to planned surgery to reduce the risk of thrombosis. Ensure that a reliable alternative contraceptive method is used.
  9. I recommend that patients discuss their plans with their personal physician or family doctor.

POST SURGERY

  1. For face, breast or abdominal surgery, patients should allow recovery time of at least 10 days before booking long distance air travel
  2. Detailed post-operative instructions will be provided. Wherever possible we will liaise with a specialist/doctor in your home town if any medical follow-up is required.

DISCLAIMER/NOTE

Recommended protocols are not exhaustive and these are intended as a guide only. They do not in any way guarantee that surgery will proceed or that post operative complications will not occur. You will be required to sign a patient consent form before surgery.

 

Julian A. Lofts MB ChB FRACS (Plast.)