Preparing for your surgery and hospital stay means knowing what you need to do in the days before your operation and knowing what to pack for the hospital. Stay active by strengthening your muscles around your hip as this will help with your recovery. Gentle exercises such as walking or swimming within your pain limits are advised. Keep all the other joints active. More information about how to ensure you are as fit as possible can be found here: Preparing for surgery – Fitter Better Sooner | The Royal College of Anaesthetists (rcoa.ac.uk).
Prior to your surgery date, you will be required to attend the hospital for a pre-operative assessment.
What happens during a pre-operative assessment?
It is very important that you attend pre-operative assessment clinic (PAC), that will be scheduled close to your planned date of surgery.
Most patients spend 1-2 hours at their PAC appointment. On arrival, you will need to complete a medical screening questionnaire. Please bring glasses with you (if required) and a full list of any prescribed medication. We will measure your height, weight, measure your heart rate and blood pressure and take swabs for MRSA.
During the PAC you will be instructed and guided to perform the required investigations, laboratory works, cardiac assessment by the cardiologist, anaesthesia evaluation and any other associate specialists consult as deemed necessary. Ample opportunity is available for you to clarify all your questions with the respective people.
Administrative issues regarding timing of admission and other requirements, the insurance clearances will also be clarified.
Depending on your medical history, you may need to see one of our Consultant Anaesthetists to discuss what your anaesthetic may involve and what to expect during and after your operation. We have experienced anaesthetists in PAC who will be able to give you specific advice and answer any questions. You will be given information about what to do in the run up to your operation and what you can do in the time leading up to surgery to ensure you are fitter and well prepared.
Our aim is to ensure that you are as fit as possible before your operation. Therefore, you may require further tests or treatment after this appointment.
Guidelines for COVID 19 protocols have been changing. The current applicable guidelines shall be followed in your case.
There are lots of useful sources of information available that give more details about what to expect from your anaesthetic – you can ask questions about any of these aspects when you attend your PAC appointment:
What should I bring into hospital?
Make sure you pack everything you will need during your hospital stay. This might include:
All tablets, medicines or inhalers that you have been prescribed (including those stopped prior to surgery)
What do I do on the day of my surgery?
Please follow the advice given by your care team regarding taking or stopping your routine medication before the operation. Please bring all your medicines with you to the hospital
If you are using any devices (eg. CPAP machine), please bring it with you. You may need it whilst in the hospital
If you are having spinal anaesthetic, we may allow you to listen to your own music. You may wish to bring your own personal music playing device and ear piece
Fasting: All patients need to fast for 6 hours (for solid food) before any anaesthesia or sedation is administered. You may drink clear liquids like Water, Black Coffee or Black Tea up to two hours before the operation. Please do not chew gum or eat sweets. You need an empty stomach so you do not vomit while you are under anaesthetic.
Milk, fizzy drinks (including Red Bull and Lucozade), fruit juice or milky tea/coffee are not allowed.
Watch this video - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/having-surgery/preparation/
References
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2020 , Perioperative care in adults, viewed 19 December 2020.
NHS, 2018, Before surgery – Having an operation(surgery), viewed 19 December 2020, <(www.nhs.uk/Conditions/surgery/Pages/preparing-for-surgery.aspx>.
NHS, 2018, General Anaesthesia, viewed 19 December 2020,