Coming for Surgery

Before your surgery
Take any regular medication that has been prescribed by your GP and is due on the morning of your operation with a sip of water, unless otherwise advised by your doctor.

The day before your admission, please follow your normal diet,
unless otherwise advised by your doctor.


Do not eat anything AFTER midnight ( or as advised) or have milk, on the day of your operation. You can drink water up until 6am and then nothing to drink after this time.
Please do NOT chew gum, eat sweets or drink anything other than water. ALL other fluids, including tea, coffee, carbonated drinks eg. coke, or milk of any sort, are NOT permitted during this time.

General guidance for all surgical patients
 On the day of your surgery please refrain from:
 Driving yourself in or using public transport - please arrange for someone to bring you or get a taxi
 Bringing any jewellery or valuables with you. Please remove your wedding band before surgery
 Smoking
 Wearing make-up and nail varnish - please remove before arrival
 You may bring iPods/mp3 players (all we ask is that you try not to disturb other patients while using it). However, please do not bring other portable electrical equipment, such as a hairdryer.

Your admission
Please have a bath or shower before your admission and please bring with you:
 Any drugs or inhalers you may take as prescribed by your GP
 Dressing gown and slippers (these are essential for your walk to theatre)
 Clothing that is comfortable and easy to put on for after your operation
 Toiletries

After your Surgery:

Guidelines after general anaesthetic as day surgery
After receiving a general anaesthetic, your co-ordination may
be slightly muddled during the first 24-48 hours. Therefore, it is
important to follow the instructions below for the first 48 hours
following discharge from hospital.
 Rest for a day or two and refrain from strenuous activity
 When rising into a sitting or standing position, do so slowly
 Do not drive a car for 48 hours
 Do not use power tools or appliances that may cause harm or
injury
 Do not make vital decisions or sign legal documents

On returning home after your operation in Day Surgery:

You will only be allowed to go home once you have met the criteria for safe discharge. The staff will assess you and ensure that you are stable, comfortable, and have received full information about how to manage the next few days. It is your responsibility to:
 Arrange for a responsible adult to stay with you for 24 hours
 Arrange for someone to accompany you home after your operation
 To stay locally. It is not recommended that you have a journey of more than one hour.

Diet
The ward staff will assist in gradually re-introducing fluids and diet. Should you feel sick and vomit, advise the staff, lie down and take clear fluids only, starting with small sips and gradually increasing as you feel able.

Leg exercises
After your operation it is important to keep the blood flowing to your feet to maintain your circulation and prevent blood clots forming.
Wiggle your toes up and down
 Bend your feet up and down at the ankles
 Move your legs in circles at your ankles
 Bend your feet up towards you and tighten your leg muscles, pressing the backs of your
knees into the bed
 Tighten your seat muscles and feel your upper leg muscles tighten as well
 If you are allowed, bend your legs at the knees sliding your feet up along the bed towards you, then
slide them down again.

Breathing exercises
After your operation it is important to get moving as quickly as possible to get your lungs working and your blood circulating, which in turn will help you to recover from your surgery. Lying immobile in bed increases your risk of getting a blood clot, chest infection or pressure sore.

What if I am in pain?
Good pain control after surgery is of vital importance. It will mean that you can breathe, cough and move more easily. The type of pain control you are given will vary depending on the type of surgery you are having but there are various types.
Oral medication - For minor procedures, pain relief taken in tablet or liquid form is usually sufficient. As it takes about 30 minutes to act, it is important to tell someone as soon as you get pain.

Getting the best effect from your pain medication:
It is important that you take regular pain medication, especially for the first 48 hours following your operation. It is advisable to take the medication, even if you have no pain at all, as pain is more difficult to control once you have it. It is very important that you read the instructions on the packet, and follow them
carefully. Remember that it can be dangerous to exceed the stated dose. If you were given pain medication while in hospital, your nurse will tell you when you are able to take your next dose.