My Surgery

Dr Graham operates privately at John Flynn Private Hospital and Pindara Private Hospital, on the Gold Coast.

Pre-operative planning

Prior to undergoing surgery, it is advisable to cease smoking as this inhibits wound healing, increases the risk of non union of fractures, and makes you more vulnerable to post-operative wound and chest infections.

Some medications need to be ceased prior to surgery (specifically some blood thinning and some immunosuppressive medications).

Please check with Dr Graham or the Mudgeeraba Hand Clinic staff at the time of consultation if you need to cease any of your medications prior to doing so.

If you are diabetic, you will need to carefully monitor your blood sugar levels when you are fasting. More information will be given to you from the Mudgeeraba Hand Clinic.

Driving in a cast or splint may place you in a precarious situation with your insurance. If possible, you may wish to consider arranging alternative transportation for the period you will be recovering. You will also need an escort from the hospital post-operatively.

Post-operative instructions

Generic post operative instructions include :

  • Keep the hand clean & dry
  • Keep the hand elevated – to the level of your heart or above
  • Keep uninvolved joints moving – including the elbow and shoulder
  • Take all prescribed medication as directed
  • Attend hand therapy sessions as directed
  • Take analgesia as required to allow prescribed exercise
  • If you are concerned, please call the Mudgeeraba Hand Clinic on (07) 5598 0194, or if after hours please attend the John Flynn Private Hospital or Pindara Private Hospital Emergency Departments (open 24 hours)

Specific post-operative instructions will be given to you following your operation.

Hand Surgery risks

Any surgical procedure carries some associated risks. These must always be weighed up against the likely benefits from the procedure, and an informed decision must be made by the patient. Generic risks of any procedure include anaesthetic risks (which will be discussed in more detail by the Anaesthetist), infection, failure of resolution of the symptoms and damage to the surrounding structures (including nerve, artery, tendon, joint, bone). Specifically in the hand, complex regional pain syndromes and stiffness may result from either trauma or surgery, or a combination of both.