Patient guide
Preparing for surgery
Once a planned operation has been agreed, the question people ask most is “what do I do now?”. This page explains the general steps. The specific instructions for you will be given separately by your surgeon and anaesthetist — what is written here does not replace them.
On this page
Tests before the operation
The purpose of these tests is not to delay the operation — it is to make the anaesthetic and the surgery as safe as possible. The following are usually required:
- Full blood count and clotting tests
- Biochemistry — liver and kidney function, blood sugar
- Blood group and Rh factor
- Infection markers
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Chest X-ray — where indicated
- Anaesthetic review
- An opinion from the relevant specialist if you have other conditions
Documents to bring with you
Previous operation records, imaging discs and reports, biopsy results, a list of all the medicines you take (with doses) and information about your allergies. Old records often carry more information than new tests.
Adjusting your medicines
Some of the medicines you take may need to be stopped or their dose changed before surgery. Do not do this on your own — stopping certain medicines abruptly creates a risk of its own.
Be sure to tell your doctor about the following in particular:
- Blood thinners
- Aspirin and similar preparations
- Diabetes medication and insulin
- Blood pressure and heart medication
- Hormonal preparations, including contraceptives
- Herbal supplements — some of these affect bleeding
- Antidepressants and sedatives
Giving up smoking as early as possible before the operation helps both with lung complications and with wound healing.
Fasting
The stomach has to be empty before a general anaesthetic. This is because of the risk of stomach contents entering the lungs if the rule is not followed, and it can lead to the operation being postponed.
The fasting period is set by the clinic's protocol and your anaesthetist's instructions. You will be given an exact time — do not estimate it, ask. If you have medicines to take, clarify that in advance as well.
The day of the operation
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Before you come in
Jewellery, rings, watches, contact lenses, dentures and nail polish are removed. Choose comfortable clothing. It is advisable to have someone with you.
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Admission and preparation
Paperwork is completed, the consent form is signed, the operative area is prepared and an intravenous line is placed.
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Anaesthesia
The anaesthetist chooses the type — general, spinal or local — to suit your situation and explains the process. This is the right stage to ask your questions.
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Surgery and waking up
After the operation you stay in the recovery area for a period. Pain, nausea and shivering are managed there.
The first days afterwards
How recovery goes depends on the type of operation, but a few general principles apply to almost all abdominal surgery:
- Getting up early — moving as soon as your surgeon allows reduces the risk of lung and vascular complications
- Breathing exercises — deep breathing helps keep the lungs expanded
- Pain control — you are not expected to endure pain; take the painkillers as prescribed
- Gradual return to eating — as instructed by your surgeon
- Wound care — dressing changes and hygiene are explained separately
- Follow-up appointment — come at the time arranged, even if you feel well
Contact us immediately after surgery if you have
- A high fever and shivering
- Increasing pain that does not respond to painkillers
- Purulent or foul-smelling discharge from the wound, or edges that open
- Persistent vomiting and an inability to keep food or fluids down
- No passage of gas or stool
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- One-sided swelling, redness and pain in the calf
In an emergency, call 103.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours do I have to fast before the operation?
The exact period is set by the clinic's protocol and your anaesthetist, and varies with the time of the operation. You will be given a specific time — ask rather than guess.
Should I stop the medicines I take?
Do not do this on your own. Some medicines need to be stopped, others must definitely be continued. Show your doctor the list of everything you take — the decision is made together.
When can I go back to work after surgery?
That depends on the type of operation, the method used and the nature of your work. Returning to office work is usually possible sooner than to physical work. The exact period is given to you individually.
Do I need someone with me?
Yes, it is advisable. Attention and reaction times can be reduced in the first hours after an anaesthetic, so going home alone and driving are not recommended.
I am afraid of the operation — is that normal?
Yes, entirely. Tell your surgeon and anaesthetist how you feel. Knowing in advance what will happen reduces anxiety considerably, so write your questions down and bring them to the consultation.
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