Pre & Post Surgery
Dr Tollesson and the Brain and Spine Surgery Queensland team are here to support you throughout all stages of your care, including consultation, pre-operative preparation, surgery, and post-operative recovery.
- Consultation process
- Pre-surgery
- Surgery
- Post-surgery and return to work
- Healing and recovery & healing at home
Consultation Process
During your consultation with Dr Tollesson, a physical and neurological examination is generally performed. Imaging will be reviewed, and if further tests are required, appropriate referrals will be provided. You may need a follow-up consultation to discuss results.
Dr Tollesson may also refer you to another specialist for further assessment. He will review all findings and written correspondence before discussing your treatment plan with you.
Results of tests and assessments will be explained in detail so you can make an informed decision about your care. Additional consultations may be arranged if you have further questions.
If surgery is recommended, you will be asked to provide informed consent before proceeding.
Pre Surgery
Prior to surgery, you will usually be required to complete blood tests, and an ECG may also be performed either before or on the day of surgery. You may be asked to attend a pre-admission appointment with a nurse to complete a health assessment, discuss your surgery, and complete necessary paperwork.
Please send any paperwork requiring completion by Dr Tollesson to our office in advance and allow sufficient time for processing. Please note that a fee may apply depending on the documentation required.
Our office is happy to provide medical certificates for you and your carer for time off work at no cost. Please email our staff with the required details and allow adequate time for completion.
If you have questions regarding recovery or return to work, please speak with our surgical coordinator, who will liaise with Dr Tollesson regarding your individual treatment plan.
Our surgical coordinator will assist you in selecting a suitable surgery date and provide a quote for your procedure. We can also help you review your private health insurance coverage to ensure you understand any out-of-pocket costs before surgery. Prior to your procedure, you will be asked to sign a financial consent form and arrange any necessary payments.
A confirmation letter outlining admission details, fasting instructions, and other important information will be emailed or posted to you before your surgery.
Surgery
You will be informed of your fasting requirements, medication instructions, admission time, and the approximate time of surgery. After the procedure, Dr Tollesson will speak with your nominated next of kin (NOK).
Following surgery, you will be taken to the recovery area and then transferred either to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or a general ward, depending on the type of surgery and your medical needs.
Family members are encouraged to speak with nursing staff for information regarding visiting hours and ICU/ward protocols.
Post Surgery and Return to Work
After surgery, you will be reviewed by a physiotherapist who will assess your recovery and develop a treatment plan. You may also be reviewed by other specialists, such as an occupational therapist, speech therapist, dietitian, or neurologist, depending on your needs.
Some patients may require further rehabilitation in a dedicated rehabilitation unit.
Your recovery and ongoing treatment plan will be discussed with you during your hospital stay and follow-up appointments.
To learn more about simple steps you can take at home to support healing and help your return to normal activities, please refer to the Healing and Recovery Section.
Healing and Recovery
Recovery depends on the type of surgery, your overall health, and individual factors such as age and fitness level. For example:
- Recovery from some procedures is shorter than for more complex surgeries.
- Major surgery may require several months of recovery.
- Some patients may experience temporary changes in cognition, mood, or behaviour.
- After brain surgery, confusion, weakness, and fatigue are common, and speech, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy may be required
- After spinal surgery, some patients may experience headache or neck pain, which may require pain relief.
- Nutritional advice and outpatient or home-based rehabilitation may be recommended.
- Some chronic or congenital conditions require long-term follow-up and ongoing specialist care.
Healing at home
Once at home, you can take several steps to support safe recovery and help return to normal activities as soon as possible.
Wound care:
- Keep wounds clean and dry (adapt bathing or cover the wound as instructed)
- Avoid touching the wound; if necessary, wash hands before and after
- Mild itching or discomfort is normal, but avoid ointments or lotions until healed
Contact your doctor if you notice:
- Painful swelling or redness
- Wound opening or separation
- Discharge from the wound
- Fever or high temperature
- Breathing difficulties
- Severe headaches
- Confusion or memory changes
- Unusual mood changes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Tingling or numbness in the face, arms, or legs
- Fainting or seizures
- Problems with bowel or bladder function
Our team is here to support you. If you have any questions or concerns at any time, please do not hesitate to contact our office on (07) 3870 3708.
We look forward to supporting you through your surgery, recovery, and ongoing care.
