Preparing For Surgery

Getting ready for a surgical procedure is a big deal whether the surgery is minor or life-changing. It can be quite anxiety-provoking at the thought of having to be under an anaesthetic and potentially being in pain after an operation. It is worth spending some time before the date of surgery to get prepared, not just physically, but mentally as well.

One of the first things you will need to do is get all the information you need from both your surgeon and anaesthetist. You should see them well before the day of your surgery to make sure you are fully informed. Make a note of any of your concerns and questions about the procedure and what happens after surgery.

After speaking with your surgeon and anaesthetist you should know:

• how to prepare for the surgery
• all the risks of the surgery
• the outcome of the surgery – how your body will look, feel, move etc after surgery
• how long you will be staying in hospital
• the effects of both surgery and anaesthesia
• side effects of the medications and anaesthetics used in surgery
• when you will be able to return to work and other normal activities
• any post-op treatment needed such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy
• any post-op equipment needed such as wheelchair, walking aid
• how your pain will be managed after the operation.

In The Weeks Before Surgery

• Know your admission date and time.
• Arrange how you will get to hospital and then home again. Anaesthetics, sedatives and some of the other medicines used in surgery can impair vision or the ability to drive safely. You could be advised by your surgeon not to drive for a certain period of time. Follow their instructions as you may not be covered by insurance if you were to have an accident post-surgery.
• Let family and friends know your surgery date so they are not worried if you don’t answer your phone that day. Let them know when you are likely to be discharged.¹
• Consider who will stay with you overnight after you have been discharged. It is recommended that someone stays with you for 24 hours after you have had surgery.
• How will you get on at home after your operation – will you need to organise help with meals and groceries, showering, child or pet care or house cleaning? If so, for how long?
• You may be asked to take copies of X-rays, CT scans, MRIs or other reports with you or send these to the hospital prior to your surgery.
• Pack your overnight bag and remember to include your regular medications. These need to be in their original containers. You will also need a list of all of your current medications that you have been prescribed from either your GP or pharmacy. This list should also include any over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements or natural remedies you take regularly.
• Limit or avoid alcohol.
• Stop smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery. This will improve lung function and wound healing.
• Maintain your usual exercise and maintain a healthy diet – this keeps your immune system strong and aids wound healing.
• Take your usual medicines unless told not to by your surgeon or anaesthetist.
• Avoid sick people – you need to be well for your surgery.
• Stop taking any herbal supplements at least seven days before operation.
• Avoid shaving or waxing at least three days prior to joint surgery to decrease the chance of infection.

Financial Preparation

If you have medical insurance, you will need to contact your insurance company before admission to check what is covered by your health insurance policy and to get prior approval for surgery.

If your surgery is being covered by ACC your specialist will apply for ACC approval before surgery.

Once approval is obtained, you can be booked in for surgery and given an admission date.

If you are covering the costs of your surgery, there will be a combination of hospital costs, the cost of the surgeon and then the cost of the anaesthetist. These are usually billed to you separately.

Plan for your usual household bills to make sure they are paid while you are in hospital or recovering.

Mental Preparation

• Use whatever tools you need to manage your anxiety such as yoga, mindfulness or breathing exercises.
• Have a good support network around you – involve close family and friends in your preparation.
• Don’t schedule anything stressful or emotionally draining like a house move or job change in the time leading up to your operation.
• Get as informed as you possibly can including understanding any post-surgery pain management.²
• Consider therapy or counselling if you find pre-surgery anxiety becomes hard to manage.
• Keep busy with pre-surgery instructions like packing your bag and preparing a recovery area in your home with everything you need close at hand.

The Day Before Surgery

Avoid alcohol and smoking for 24 hours before.

There is a certain time before your operation that you won’t be able to eat or drink – called “nil-by-mouth”. This is to eliminate the risk of food or liquid passing from the stomach into the lungs while you are under anaesthetic. If any stomach contents are inhaled into the lungs it can cause a pneumonia-like illness which can be fatal.

You will get different instructions depending on whether your surgery will be performed in the morning or afternoon:

• Morning – no food after midnight on the evening before. Can drink one glass of water every hour until 2 hours before surgery. Nothing else within 2 hours of surgery.
• Afternoon – no food after 7:30am on the morning of surgery. Can drink one glass of water every hour up until 2 hours before surgery then nothing within 2 hours of operation.

Eating or drinking too close to surgery may mean that is has to be postponed or cancelled.

On The Day Of Surgery

• shower prior to admission
• remove any nail polish, jewellery and make-up
• It is ok to wear deodorant but not perfume, talc, moisturiser or oils.

What you do before your surgery can have a big impact on how you recover. Using the time before your operation to prepare can lessen anxiety, help you feel more in control and help you get back to a normal routine as soon as possible. Follow any instructions from your surgeon and anaesthetist for the day of the operation carefully.