Pre operative preparation

Australia is one of the safest places in the world to have an anaesthetic. All or our Anaesthetists are highly trained specialists. However, preparing for your anaesthetic and medical procedure should start at early as possible. In general the fitter you are the better your body will cope with the demands of the anaesthetic and surgical procedure.

Exercise: Try to increase your level of activity in the weeks prior to your anaesthetic. In some instances this may be difficult or impossible, example lower limb joint surgery, but in many instances it is possible to do a bit more exercise which will help.

Other medical conditions: Where possible, try to ensure that other medical conditions are under good control prior to any planned surgery. Some more common conditions include high blood pressure, asthma and diabetes, however there are many more. If you have concerns please let your surgeon know.

Smoking: Smoking in not good for one's health and can cause cancer and chronic lung conditions. It is also bad in the short term around the time of operations. Quitting a few weeks prior to your anaesthetic will allow your lungs to recover and help your breathing during your operation. It will also increase the levels of oxygen in your blood and improve the wound healing process.

Teeth: if you have loose teeth you are advised to see your dentist prior to your anaesthetic.

Medications: In general continue routine medications or as instructed by your surgeon and or your anaesthetists. Diabetic medications may need to be withheld while fasting, however your anaesthetists will advise. Blood thinning medication including asprin, warfarin and plavix should be discussed with your surgeon. Stop all herbal medications 4 weeks before surgery unless discussed beforehand. Especially Ginseng, Garlic, and Gingko, or St. John's Wort, which increase the risk of bleeding.

Fasting:

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! Medication with a mouthful of water is OK.

For afternoon surgery: A light breakfast of tea/coffee and toast BEFORE 7AM is OK, and nothing after that. Your surgery may be cancelled if you do not follow these fasting instructions.