Preparing for Surgery

Reducing Your Risk of Infection and Complications

Nutrition

Eating well in the six weeks before surgery gives your body a strong foundation for healing. An anti-inflammatory style of eating, such as a Mediterranean-style diet with reduced salt intake, is encouraged. Dr Arora is also happy to suggest suitable nutritional supplements if these would benefit you.

A Healthy Body Weight

Body weight has a direct impact on surgical risk. Keeping your BMI below 40, and ideally below 30, is strongly encouraged, and even a modest reduction in body weight of around 5% has been shown to lower the likelihood of complications.

Caring for Your Skin

Healthy, intact skin on the operative leg helps reduce the risk of infection. Please check your legs and body for any cuts, scratches, sores, or insect bites in the lead-up to surgery, and contact the practice if you have any concerns.

A chlorhexidine-based surgical skin wash, available from most pharmacies, is recommended for daily use on the operative leg for two to three days before surgery, continuing through to the morning of your procedure.

Swelling in the Lower Legs

Any existing swelling or fluid retention in the lower legs should be identified and appropriately managed before your surgery date.

Dental Health

Good oral hygiene, and attending to any outstanding dental issues, is an important and sometimes overlooked part of preparing for surgery.

Emotional Wellbeing

Surgery can be a significant undertaking, both physically and emotionally. If you have been experiencing symptoms of anxiety or low mood, it is important to seek support before your surgery date, so you feel as prepared as possible.

Bladder, Prostate, and Continence Health

Issues such as urinary tract infections, prostate conditions, or incontinence should be identified and treated ahead of time, as untreated issues can increase your risk of infection after surgery.

Pre-Surgical Blood Tests

Routine blood testing before surgery helps identify and address factors that could affect your recovery, including:

• Low protein (albumin) levels

• Anaemia (low haemoglobin)

• Poorly controlled diabetes (targeting an HbA1c below 7.5%)

Smoking

Stopping smoking before surgery is one of the most effective steps you can take to reduce your risk of complications and support proper wound healing.

Staying Active Before Surgery

Try to remain as physically active as your symptoms comfortably allow. Gentle activity for 20 to 30 minutes at a time, provided it doesn't cause significant pain, helps maintain your fitness and can support a smoother recovery.

Planning Your Support at Home

Recovering well after surgery isn't only about what happens in hospital — your home environment and support network matter just as much.

• Arrange for someone to help care for you during the first few days, and ideally the first week, after you return home.

• Identify one or two people who can act as your recovery 'coach' throughout rehabilitation. Having dedicated support has been shown to improve outcomes, so it's worth choosing this person now, ahead of your surgery.

• Take time to prepare your home in advance — clear walkways, accessible furniture, and any equipment you may need during recovery can all make a real difference.