Common Patient Frequently Asked Questions

While we do everything possible to ensure a safe and smooth recovery, all surgery comes with risks. These can include nerve irritation, ongoing pain, stiffness, infection, delayed healing, or issues with surgical hardware. There's also a risk of complications from anaesthesia. 

There will be costs related to the Surgeon, Assistant, Anaesthetist, and Hospital, as well as Rehab afterwards. We will provide you with a breakdown of these costs at your appointment so you know what to expect and can plan ahead. 

Even though your health fund may tell you that Dr Hope is registered for Gap Cover and you have top cover, you will still have an out-of-pocket cost. Medicare rebates haven’t kept up with the rising costs of providing high-quality care, and private health insurance doesn’t cover the full fee. This gap ensures Dr Hope can maintain the high standard of care that patients expect, which isn’t possible under a gapcover arrangement. 

We won’t know who your Anaesthetist will be until you have a booking for surgery. Once booked, your details will be sent to the anaesthetic team, who will email you a quote.

If you’d like a quote before booking, please call Axxon Anaesthesia on 3214 8555.

Getting ready for surgery can feel overwhelming, but planning ahead makes it easier. Take care of yourself by eating well, staying active, resting, and trying to cut back or stop smoking. At home, clear anything you might trip on and arrange help with meals, cleaning, and getting around. If you have kids, it’s a good idea to organise extra support. If you live alone, talk to our team about hospital rehab options. You’ll also need someone to drive you home after surgery. 

Some medicines need to be stopped before and after your surgery. This should be done under the instruction of the Specialist or GP who prescribed them. These often include blood thinners (incl. supplements), diabetes meds, weight loss drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy, chemotherapy, and anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs. When it comes time to book your surgery our team will review your medical history and give you clear advice on what we recommend stopping or changing before your operation. 

Yes, it can be an infection risk. If you notice a cut, rash, or pimple near where you’re having surgery, please get in touch with Dr Hope’s rooms as soon as you can. We’ll ask you to email a photo to bhoffice@drbenhope.com.au so we can take a look and see if your surgery needs to be delayed. 

Smoking can slow down healing and make surgery riskier. It lowers oxygen in your blood, which makes it harder for your body to heal wounds and fight infection. It also puts extra strain on your lungs and heart, increasing the risk of breathing issues and complications with anaesthesia. Even cutting back a week or two before surgery can help you recover better and faster. 

Yes, you’ll need to fast before surgery. This means no food or drink (except water) for a set time beforehand. If you're having shoulder surgery, it's usually scheduled in the morning, so you’ll likely need to fast from midnight the night before. If your surgery is in the afternoon, you may be allowed a light breakfast. Our team will call you the day before to confirm your fasting instructions. 

It is preferred. Showering helps lower the risk of infection by cleaning bacteria off your skin. Make sure to wash your whole body with soap, and avoid using lotions, powders, deodorants, or makeup afterwards.

On the day of surgery, wear comfortable clothes that are easy to put on and take off. If you are having shoulder surgery we suggest wearing a loose oversized button-up shirt.

You should take off nail polish and acrylic nails because they can hide important signs during surgery, like your skin color or how well blood is flowing. Removing them helps the medical team monitor your oxygen levels and circulation more accurately while you’re under anaesthesia. 

It’s best if you can remove it before surgery. If you can’t, we’ll tape it to keep it safe. Just keep in mind that hand surgery can cause swelling, which might make the ring uncomfortable or even affect blood flow to your finger. 

If your wedding band cannot be removed before surgery, it may need to be cut off by a jeweller. Before taking this step, you can try loosening the ring with soapy water, baby oil, or dental floss. The dental floss method can be a bit tricky, so we’ve attached a helpful video below. Surgery can cause your finger to swell, and a ring that cannot be removed may restrict blood flow or cause pain. To ensure your safety, it’s important to remove the ring before your procedure.  https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yDirFuuK50U

We’ll send you a full checklist when your surgery is confirmed, but here’s a quick guide:

- Hospital forms and any letters from your doctor

- Medicare card, health fund details, and any concession cards (if relevant)

- Visa/Debit card for hospital excess

- All your current medications in original packaging, plus a list of what you’re taking

- If you're staying overnight: comfy nightwear, slippers or flat shoes, toiletries, and a light jacket

- A book, tablet, or something to keep you entertained

- Any personal aids you use, like CPAP machine, glasses, hearing aids, or a walking stick

Your bag will be labelled by a Nurse and safely locked away in a cupboard during your procedure. If you're staying overnight, it will be sent to your room on the ward. If you're going home the same day, you'll collect it from the day surgery area before you leave. We recommend leaving any valuables at home. 

We’ll have a clearer idea of your surgery time  the day before, as our theatre list is constantly changing to accommodate trauma. Generally, shoulder surgeries are done in the morning, and hand, forearm, and elbow surgeries in the afternoon. Our team will call you after 2pm the day prior to confirm your admission time. 

Unless Dr Hope tells you otherwise, you'll be given a general anaesthetic (GA), which means you'll be asleep for the procedure.  If you’ve had issues with anaesthesia before or have any concerns, please let Dr Hope and the team know so we can discuss your options. 

Most hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow surgeries are done as day procedures, so you’ll usually be able to go home the same day. The main exceptions are if you have other health issues, live alone, or don’t have anyone to pick you up and stay with you for the first 24 hours — in those cases, you might need to stay overnight. It’s a good idea to check with your private health fund to see if they’ll cover any extra stay.

For shoulder surgery, Dr Hope usually recommends staying overnight. This helps the team manage your pain better, plan your discharge smoothly, and make sure you’re comfortable before you head home. While you’re on the ward, a specialised Physiotherapist will also see you to help kickstart your recovery. If you have private insurance, this physio visit will be billed directly to your health fund.

Yes, it’s a good idea to have some help or support at home after your surgery, especially within the first 24 hours. You might feel tired or a bit groggy from the anesthesia and pain medication, so having someone around can make sure you’re safe and comfortable as you start to recover. 

No, you won’t be able to drive yourself home after surgery. Anaesthetic can leave you feeling groggy and affect your coordination and judgement, even if you feel capable. For your safety and because it’s hospital policy, you must have someone collect you and escort you home. It’s also best to have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery to keep an eye on you.

Yes, you must wear a seatbelt, as it’s a legal requirement. You’ll just need to be extra careful when putting it on, especially if you've had shoulder surgery. We recommend asking the person driving you home to help with this if needed. 

After surgery, you’ll receive a folder with your recovery information, including your operation record, medical certificate, flight clearance forms (if requested), aftercare instructions, and follow-up appointment details. Bring this folder to your follow-up visits. If you don’t receive one, contact our rooms for an emailed copy. 

It’s best to wait at least 24 hours before flying home. Flying too soon after surgery can increase the risk of blood clots, swelling, and slow healing. Cabin pressure and sitting still can make post-op symptoms worse, and medical help is limited during the flight. If you are wearing a sling, we recommend choosing a middle seat to keep your arm protected.

If you have any questions or concerns during the week (Monday to Friday), please call our office on 3834 6590. If it’s after hours or on the weekend, contact your GP, or if it’s an emergency, go straight to your nearest emergency department. 

Keep your dressings, splints, or cast clean and dry. Don’t take them off unless told to. Your Therapist or Physio will do this for you. If you have a clear waterproof (Opsite) dressing, leave it on for 7–10 days, or replace it if it lifts or loses its seal. To prevent infection, avoid getting the area wet under the dressing for at least 10 days. Non-absorbable stitches will be removed by your Therapist 10–14 days after surgery. 

It’s a good idea to wear your TEDS for about 2 weeks after surgery, or until you’re moving around normally again. If you are having a joint replacement you may wish to wear these longer. They help with swelling and keep your blood flowing, so try to keep them on as much as you can during that time. 

Watch for signs of infection such as more pain or swelling, redness, warmth, or pus around your wound. A fever can also be a warning. Some bleeding or pink discharge in the first few days is normal, but if your dressing becomes soaked, contact us. Likewise, If numbness or tingling gets worse or doesn’t go away.

Some swelling and bruising is normal after surgery. You may also notice numbness or tingling, which usually improves as you heal. Effects from local anaesthesia can sometimes last up to 3 days in the zone of the surgery. If the numbness worsens, does not start to improve after a few days, or if the swelling is severe and painful, please let us know.

If you need more pain relief, contact your Anaesthetist or GP. Your GP is the best person to manage these safely. Needing extra pain relief might mean something isn’t right, so if your pain doesn’t improve or gets worse, call our office for follow-up.  

Keep your arm rested and elevated, use ice packs for the first few days, then gentle heat once swelling improves. Follow your Therapist’s advice for gentle movements, and wear your sling or splint as directed. 

Hand Therapists and Physiotherapists support your recovery after surgery with personalised plans to restore movement, strength, and function. Occupational Therapists can also help care for your wound, remove stitches, change dressings, and create splints to protect the surgery site. If you choose to have your GP remove sutures and don’t need a splint, you will still need guidance from a Therapist on the right exercises to do to regain full movement.  Please note: Rehabilitation costs are not included in Dr Hope’s surgical fee and will be billed separately. 

After hand, forearm, or elbow surgery, you’ll see the Hand Therapist 3 days post-surgery. If you’re from out of town, we can bring this forward, and arrange this before you leave Brisbane. 

After shoulder surgery at Brisbane Private, you’ll get general physiotherapy advice and your sling will be adjusted before going home. When you start regular physiotherapy depends on the type of surgery you had. 

Always check with Dr Hope before returning to driving. Only drive once you have full strength, movement, and control in both hands, and your shoulder allows you to turn the wheel and use indicators safely. Do not drive while wearing a sling, splint, or cast, or if you are taking medication that causes drowsiness, as this can affect your safety and your insurance. 

You’ll receive a medical certificate for 2 weeks off work after your surgery, but you can return earlier if you feel ready. At your 2 week post-op visit, we’ll check your progress end ensure that it is safe for you to go back to work. 

You will see Dr Hope 2 weeks after surgery. At this appointment, he will discuss the results of your surgery. If any problems or complications arise, we will contact you beforehand. Your post-op care folder includes this appointment and your rehab appointments. 

You’ll usually get your surgery receipt by email within 5 business days after surgery.