Preparation
Preparing for Surgery
- Please shower at home the evening before surgery or in the morning.
- Please do not shave the surgical site! It will be done for you if necessary. Shaving yourself increases the risk of infection.
- 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 small sip of water is OK. For afternoon surgery, a small breakfast BEFORE 8AM is OK, and nothing after that. Your surgery may be cancelled if you do not follow these instructions.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours prior to your surgery.
- Do not smoke for 4 weeks before surgery or your risk of serious complications increases.
- Ask us if you are permitted to take your routine medications (such as those for heart, blood pressure, or insulin etc.) before arriving for surgery.
- You may be asked to stop aspirin, warfarin, or any other blood thinner 5-7 days prior to surgery in consultation with your treating surgeon
- Do not bring valuables such as money, jewellery etc. Do not wear make-up.
- Bring toiletries and loose fitting, comfortable clothing to wear upon discharge.
- You will be required to remove contact lenses, jewellery, dentures, and wigs
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after discharge.
- Notify us if there is a change in your condition prior to surgery (such as a cold, cough, fever or infection). If severe, your surgery may need to be postponed for your safety.
The Day of Your Surgery
- On the day of your surgery, report to hospital reception.
- If you have not already done so, you will meet your anaesthetist
- After the operation, you will spend some time in the recovery room before going to the ward
- After discharge, and if you are taking prescription pain medicine, you are not permitted to:
- Drive a car nor operate power equipment
- Drink alcohol
- Sign important papers
- Instructions regarding safe resumption of the above activities will be provided by your surgeon.