There are several things that you can do to improve your general condition prior to your procedure. These include; cease smoking or cut down as soon as possible, ideally 6 weeks prior to surgery and reduce alcohol consumption.

You must follow all of the advice and instructions given by your surgeon. You must tell your surgeon and anaesthetist about any medical conditions that you have and also all of the medications that you currently take. If you have any serious medical problems such as heart or vascular disease, diabetes, severe asthma/ lung disease, neurological disease or severe organ disease your surgeon or Dr Leggett may need to consult with the other Doctors looking after those aspects of your medical care and possibly arrange further tests. If you have any recent medical letters or test results please bring those with you Your surgeon may ask Dr Leggett to see and examine you before your admission to hospital. If you are concerned about any aspect of your anaesthetic care you can contact Dr Leggett to discuss or call Dr Leggett’s rooms to arrange an appointment.

Your Medications

• You must continue all regular medications which have been prescribed for you, unless advised otherwise by your surgeon. Please on the day of surgery take usual morning medications for high blood pressure, heart or lung conditions and acid reflux should be taken with a small sip of water even if fasting
• Do not take unprescribed aspirin (or aspirin containing medications) or anti-inflammatory drugs for 10 days prior to your operation (or as advised by your surgeon). Paracetamol containing medications may be used.
• You should bring all of your current medications (including birth control pills, hormone preparations and insulins) with you to hospital.

Fasting

The hospital will contact you before your surgery and tell you when you should arrive and also give you instructions about pre-operative fasting. You must follow these instructions. Dr Leggett does permit you to have plain water until 2 hours before your appointed time to arrive at the hospital.

If you are diabetic on medication you must tell all medical staff as there may be special instructions. Generally if you are diabetic on tablets (or on tablets plus insulin) you should omit all of your diabetic medication on the day of surgery.

If you are insulin dependent diabetic on insulin only follow any instructions given by your surgeon or anaesthetist. Generally if your operation is in the morning, you should not have any insulin at home but bring it with you to the hospital. You must tell the nurse that you are diabetic. If your operation is in the afternoon you should take HALF of your normal dose of insulin when you have a light breakfast BEFORE 7am. You should monitor your blood sugar during the morning and bring your normal insulin with you to the hospital. If your blood sugar level falls unacceptably low during this time you may take clear sugar lollies such as barley sugar to correct this. Be sure to tell the nurse that you are diabetic

If you are unsure about anything please CONTACT US

Important things to remember:

• Follow all of your Surgeon’s instructions
• Do not each or drink after the time you are asked to fast
• Do not smoke the day of your operation.
• Please bathe or shower the morning of your operation. Do not wear any nail varnish and if you wish to wear make up, please bring your usual make up remover with you.
• Do not wear mascara as it can cause irritation to the eyes during the anaesthetic.
• Wear loose fitting clothes and flat comfortable shoes.
• Do not wear jewellery, except your marriage ring.
• If you are a day-only patient, arrange for someone with transport to collect you from the Day Unit after your operation. Public transport is NOT suitable for your homeward journey. If you use a Taxi you MUST still have someone to accompany you.
• Arrange for a responsible adult person to stay at home with you overnight after your operation.

What to bring with you:

• Any drugs, medicines or inhalers you are using/taking
• Any X-rays or blood test results.
• Suitable attire to wear in hospital (PJ’s or track suit).
• Toiletries, toothbrush etc to freshen up after surgery
• Some activity to occupy your time e.g. book, magazine, knitting
• Do NOT bring any valuables with you

Why you must not eat or drink before surgery.

Under normal circumstances your body prevents the acidic stomach contents from entering and damaging your lungs. When you are unconscious this protection is lost. It is important therefore to have an empty stomach to reduce the risk to the lungs. If your period of fasting is inadequate your operation may be postponed for your own safety.

You should therefore have no food (including lollies and chewing gum) or drink for up to six hours before your operation. However, Dr Leggett does permit you to have plain water until 2 hours before your appointed time to arrive at the hospital.

Also, some patients need medication preoperatively and this can be taken with a sip of water under the direction of your anaesthetist.