Surgery Locations

Neuroaxis can admit and surgically treat patients at the following locations:

• Melbourne Private Hospital – Parkville
• Epworth Hospital – Richmond
• Epworth Eastern Hospital – Box Hill
• Waverley Private Hospital – Mount Waverley
• Epworth Hospital – Geelong
• John Fawkner Private Hospital – Coburg

Your surgery will be at the location closest to your primary residence. Depending on the complexity of surgery and the need for specialised equipment, your operation may be at the hospital where the most appropriate treatment can be provided.

Any patient having spinal robotic surgery will be treated through the Melbourne Private Hospital or the Epworth Hospital in Richmond. These hospitals have available state of the art spine surgery equipment.

Pre-operative Preparation

Before coming into hospital, Neuroaxis will provide details on any preoperative instructions. This could include instructions on fasting for a specific duration of time.

It’s important to contact Neuroaxis, if you are unclear on the specific requirements relating to your surgery. You should do this at least one week before your operation.

In most cases, we admit you to hospital a day before the date of surgery. This enables us to conduct some tests in preparation for the surgery.

This could include:

• any specific preoperative imaging
• blood tests
• an evaluation by the designated physician and anaesthetist

What you should bring to hospital

When coming to the hospital, it is important to bring all your scan reports and films. You should also bring an up-to-date list of the current medications that you are on.

Furthermore, it is extremely important that you advise us if you are on any anticoagulant medication. This includes:

• Aspirin
• Warfarin
• Coumadin
• Dabigatran
• Plavix
• NSAIDs
• Fish Oil
• Medications from any other alternative medical practices

Do you have to stop blood thinning medications before surgery?

In general, most operations on the brain and spine require you to be off anticoagulant medication. This reduces the chance of postoperative hematomas.

Before making the decision to stop your anticoagulant medication, Neuroaxis will:

1. Take into consideration the specific reason for your medication
2. Consult any haematologist or cardiologist involved your care
3. Communicate any such recommendations to your general practitioner and relevant specialist such as your cardiologist