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.

 
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