BEFORE SURGERY
Preparing for your anaesthetic
Preparing properly for your procedure helps your anaesthetic and surgery proceed safely. The information below explains what to do before you come to hospital and what to expect on the day.
Before your procedure
Please review the information below before coming to hospital. Your hospital or surgeon may also give you specific instructions for your procedure.
It is important to follow the fasting instructions provided by your hospital or surgeon. Fasting reduces the risk of stomach contents entering your lungs during an anaesthetic.
As a general guide, you may be asked to stop eating solid food several hours before your procedure. Clear fluids may usually be permitted closer to the time of surgery, but the exact instructions can vary.
Please follow the instructions given to you by your hospital. If you are unsure when you should stop eating or drinking, contact the hospital before your procedure.
Do not fast for longer than instructed.
Some medicines need to be stopped or adjusted before surgery. Please review the medication information before your procedure.
Try to maintain your usual routine in the days leading up to your procedure. Continue your regular medications unless you have been specifically advised to stop or change them.
Please make sure you have reviewed the information about your medications before surgery, particularly if you take blood thinners, medicines for diabetes or weight loss, or other medications that may need to be adjusted.
If you smoke, avoiding smoking before your procedure is beneficial, even if only for a short period.
Bring any information requested by the hospital with you, including an up-to-date list of your medications.
Please contact your surgeon or hospital if you become unwell in the days before your procedure.
This is particularly important if you develop:
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a fever or significant infection
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a new or worsening cough, cold or breathing problem
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vomiting or diarrhoea
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a significant change in your usual health
Becoming unwell does not necessarily mean that your procedure will be cancelled. However, it may affect the safety or timing of your anaesthetic and should be discussed before you come to hospital.
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Follow the fasting and medication instructions you have been given.
Please bring:
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an up-to-date list of your medications
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any medications or inhalers you have been asked to bring
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relevant medical information or test results if requested
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any equipment you normally use for a medical condition, if the hospital has asked you to bring it
When you arrive, you will be assessed before your procedure. I will discuss your anaesthetic with you, including the proposed plan, relevant risks and any questions or concerns you may have.
Your anaesthetic plan may be adjusted depending on your health, the procedure and the findings of your assessment on the day.
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After your procedure, you will usually be taken to the recovery area where nursing staff will monitor you while you recover from the anaesthetic.
You may receive treatment for pain, nausea or other symptoms if required.
How quickly you can eat, drink, move around and leave hospital will depend on your procedure, your recovery and the instructions of your treating team.
If you are having day surgery, you will usually need a responsible adult to take you home and remain available to assist you after discharge. Follow the discharge instructions provided by your hospital.