Preparing for Surgery — Patient Checklist
Use this checklist to get ready for your knee operation with Mr Sam Nahas at Circle Reading Hospital. It covers what to do before, on the day, and after surgery. Always follow the instructions in your hospital letter and pre-assessment plan if they differ.
2–4 Weeks Before Surgery
Pre-assessment: attend your hospital health check. This is essential and can be the rate-limiting step before scheduling your operation.
Medications: bring a full list to pre-assessment. Only stop or adjust medicines (e.g., blood thinners, diabetes medication) if the pre-assessment team or Mr Nahas tells you to.
Smoking & alcohol: aim to stop smoking and reduce alcohol; this lowers anaesthetic and wound-healing risks.
Dental/skin issues: finish any urgent dental work early; report any cuts, rashes, or infections around the operative leg.
Physiotherapy (prehab): start or continue exercises to optimise range of motion, swelling control, and strength.
Work & home support: arrange time off, help at home, and childcare/pet care.
Insurance/finance: confirm authorisation with your insurer or request a self-pay quote.
7–10 Days Before Surgery
Imaging & results: ensure any last scans or blood tests requested at pre-assessment are completed.
MRSA screen (if requested): complete swabs and follow instructions if treatment is needed.
Home set-up: prepare a clear sleeping space, remove trip hazards, place frequently used items within easy reach, freeze a few meals.
Equipment: confirm delivery/fitting of any brace, crutches, or ice device if prescribed.
Transport & escort: book a responsible adult to take you home and stay nearby the first night.
5 Days Before Surgery
Antibacterial skin washes: begin daily antibacterial body wash (as instructed) for 5 days before surgery.
Do not shave or wax the operative leg for at least 7 days pre-op; the theatre team will prepare the skin if needed.
Illness: if you develop cough, fever, COVID-like or flu-like symptoms, contact the hospital for advice.
The Day Before Surgery
Fasting times: follow the exact fasting instructions in your hospital letter (these override general advice).
Packing list: photo ID, medication list, regular medicines, comfortable loose clothing/shorts, phone/charger, any brace.
On the Day of Surgery
Arrival: check in at reception; bring your consent documents if already signed.
Eating & drinking: strictly follow the fasting guidance from your hospital letter (typical patterns are no solid food for 6 hours and clear fluids until 2 hours before, but your letter may differ).
Medications: take or hold medicines exactly as instructed at pre-assessment.
Valuables: bring only essentials.
Delays: healthcare can be unpredictable. If there's a delay, it's because each problem is dealt with fully and properly — the same thorough care will be given to you.
Before You Leave Hospital
Physio check: you'll practice walking and stairs with the physiotherapist and receive home exercises.
Wound care & red flags: you'll be given written instructions on dressings, showering, and when to call for help.
Medications: you'll leave with pain relief and any other prescriptions needed.
Follow-up: your clinic review and, where appropriate, physiotherapy appointments will be arranged.
After You Get Home (First 2 Weeks)
Elevation & icing: little and often to manage swelling. Always wrap the ice pack in a damp tea towel — never place ice directly on the skin, as it can cause an ice burn.
Mobility: short, frequent walks; follow your physio's milestones and any brace/crutch instructions.
Driving: only when you can safely perform an emergency stop and are off strong painkillers; ask in clinic for personalised advice.
Contact us urgently if:
You develop fever, increasing wound redness or discharge, calf pain/swelling, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
Helpful Links
Notes on Timing and Safety
Surgery is scheduled as soon as safely possible. Pre-assessment findings, optimisation of any medical conditions, and completion of the 5-day antibacterial wash are required before theatre.
Your plan may include X-rays, MRI/CT/ultrasound at Circle Reading Hospital; some specialist scans (e.g., open MRI) can be arranged in London where needed.
If anything changes with your health prior to surgery, tell us promptly so we can advise or rearrange if necessary.