Preparing for Surgery
There are a number of guidelines to follow in preparing for surgery:
- Please shower at home the evening before surgery, or in the morning
- Please do not shave the surgical site! This will be done for you if necessary. Shaving yourself increases the risk of infection
-
For morning surgery, do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery unless otherwise instructed. This includes coffee, tea, water, and juice. Taking your medication with a small sip of water is ok
-
For afternoon surgery, a small breakfast BEFORE 7AM is OK, and nothing after that. Your surgery may be cancelled if you do not follow these instructions
-
Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours prior to your surgery
-
Do not smoke for 4 weeks before surgery or your risk of serious complications increases
-
Ask your doctor if you are permitted to take your routine medications (such as those for heart, blood pressure, or insulin etc.) before arriving for surgery
-
Do not bring valuables such as money, jewellery etc. Do not wear make-up
-
Bring toiletries and loose fitting, comfortable clothing to wear upon discharge
-
You will be required to remove contact lenses, jewellery, dentures, and wigs
-
Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after discharge
-
Notify your doctor if there is a change in your condition prior to surgery (such as a cold, cough, fever or infection). If severe, your surgery may need to be postponed for your safety
-
stop all herbal medications 4 weeks before surgery unless discussed beforehand
There are a few important steps to take the day of your surgery:
-
On the day of your surgery, report to hospital reception
-
If you have not already done so, you will meet your anaesthetist
-
After the operation, you will spend some time in the recovery room before going to the ward
-
After discharge, and as long as you are taking prescription pain medicine, you are not permitted to:
-
Drive a car nor operate power equipment
-
Drink alcoholic beverages
-
Sign important papers
-
-
Instructions regarding safe resumption of the above activities will be provided by your surgeon
For further information, please click here to visit the Healthdirect Australia website.