Preparing for Surgery

Prior to proceeding with your surgery, you will need to follow specific fasting instructions to ensure your procedure can be performed safely.

Unless you are given different instructions, you will need to fast for at least 6 hours before your scheduled surgery time.

Our rooms will contact you 1–2 days before your procedure to confirm your admission time and provide you with your specific fasting instructions.

It is important that you follow these instructions carefully. If you are unsure about your fasting requirements, please contact our rooms as soon as possible.

Dr Phegan operates at three hospitals on the Gold Coast. You will need to complete the relevant hospital’s online admission form at least 5 days before your admission.

If you are unable to complete the online form, please contact the relevant hospital directly for assistance.

Some patients may be required to attend a Pre-Admission Clinic with the hospital nursing staff prior to surgery. This will be determined by Dr Phegan based on the complexity of your procedure, age, medical history and any existing medical conditions.

The appointment is held at the hospital and may include blood tests, X-rays, and a review of your current medications and medical history.

If you require a pre-admission appointment, our rooms will arrange this with you. If you are unsure whether you need an appointment, please contact our rooms.

In general, most medications can be taken as usual; however, some medications may need to be ceased up to 7 days before your procedure.

If you have diabetes or take blood-thinning medication, you may require specific instructions regarding your medications before surgery. This should have been discussed with you during your consultation.

If you are unsure about any medication instructions, please contact our rooms as soon as possible.

  GLP-1 Medications (e.g. Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Trulicity and Saxenda)
If you take a GLP-1 receptor agonist or GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, please carefully review the guidelines below, as your fasting instructions differ from the standard requirements.

View the ANZCA GLP-1 medication guidelines 

If you have any questions about these GLP1 instructions, please contact the anaesthetic rooms directly, Southport Anaesthetic Specialists: (07) 5532 3667.

Please contact our rooms if you develop any cold, flu, chest infection or other illness in the 4 weeks prior to your surgery.

This information will be forwarded to your anaesthetist, who will determine whether any changes to your surgery or anaesthetic are required

We strongly recommend that you stop smoking/vaping at least 6 weeks before surgery. Smoking and vaping can delay healing, affect the rate and ability of bone to heal and increase the risk of complications, including infection.

Following your surgery, you will be unable to drive yourself home. Please ensure you have arranged for a suitable responsible person to collect you from the hospital and accompany you home upon discharge.

Please make these arrangements before your surgery to ensure a safe and smooth discharge.

We understand that knowing the costs associated with surgery is important. Before your procedure, our rooms will provide you with an Informed Financial Consent outlining Dr Phegan’s fees and applicable out-of-pocket costs.

Dr Phegan’s surgical fees are guided by the AMA fee schedule and reflect the complexity and expertise required for each procedure.

Additional costs may include:

• Anaesthetist fees: Your anaesthetist’s rooms will provide details of their fees and any applicable out-of-pocket costs.
• Hospital costs: Depending on your private health cover, an excess or co-payment may apply. We recommend confirming your cover and any applicable costs directly with your health fund. Self-funded patients will receive a separate quote from the hospital.
• Surgical assistant fees: Some procedures may require a surgical assistant, who may charge a separate fee. If required, they will contact you directly with details of their fees.

If you have any questions about your surgical costs or financial arrangements, please contact our rooms. Our team is happy to assist.