It’s common to have medical conditions.  However, ensuring your general health and any conditions are well-managed before surgery is crucial. Here are some ways you can help:

What Your Anaesthetist Needs to Know

Before surgery, you will meet with your anaesthetist to discuss your health and medical history, including medications, allergies, and any previous anaesthetic experiences. It’s essential to provide accurate information to tailor the anaesthesia plan to your needs and minimize risks.

Why Fasting is Necessary

You will typically be instructed to avoid eating or drinking for 6 hours before a procedure, though water is usually permitted up to 2 hours beforehand. This precaution minimizes the contents in your stomach, reducing the risk of them coming up and entering your lungs during anaesthesia, a rare but serious complication. Additionally, you might be given an antacid drink or tablet for extra protection. If you’ve previously undergone weight loss surgery or have a lap band, you may need to avoid solid food for a longer period.

Hospital Admission Before Surgery

To minimize waiting time and inconvenience, your admission time may be scheduled after the surgery list has begun. This could result in limited time with your anaesthetist, but rest assured they will have already reviewed your medical records and health questionnaire. Sometimes, unexpected issues like equipment availability may alter the order of the surgery list. It’s important to plan your travel to ensure punctuality, and bring something to keep yourself occupied, such as a book, in case of a longer wait. In some cases, if you are undergoing major surgery or have specific health concerns, you may request to speak with your anaesthetist before the day of your surgery.

What type of anaesthetic will be used

Your anaesthetic plan is tailored specifically for you, much like a custom recipe. The method chosen will depend on the surgical requirements, your health conditions, the anaesthetist’s expertise, and your personal preferences and concerns. Your surgeon may have already given you an idea of what to expect, and your anaesthetist will go over the advantages and disadvantages of the available options. Together, you will choose the option that is best suited for you, with your safety and comfort as the top priorities.

After your procedure

Once your surgery is finished, your anaesthetist will move you to the Recovery Room, where a nurse will continue to monitor you as you wake up. You will still receive oxygen through a clear facemask. It’s normal to feel groggy and disoriented at first. Some people may also experience mild throat discomfort or nausea, but these symptoms typically pass quickly. You’ll be taken back to your hospital room or the day surgery ward once you’re awake and comfortable. If you notice any concerning side effects from the anaesthetic, you should reach out to your anaesthetist.

In some cases, your anaesthetist or surgeon may organise for you to go to the intensive care unit immediately after surgery.  This may be because of the type of surgery, or if additional support is anticipated in the period immediately after the surgery.  You may go to the intensive care unit either awake or asleep, depending on what’s safest for your situation.

Looking after yourself when you get home

Fortunately, with modern advances in both surgery and anaesthesia, many procedures can be safely performed as day-stay cases.  If you are going home on the same day as your procedure, it is important that you have a relative or friend accompany you home and stay with you, or close nearby, for the rest of the day.

For 24 hours after an anaesthetic, you should not: