Preparing for your operation

A few weeks before your anticipated surgery, SRTC will schedule an appointment for you to attend a pre-operative assessment clinic. A letter indicating the time, date and location of your appointment will be sent to you.

Depending on your special needs, this appointment might last from one to two hours. Be sure to bring a list of the current medicines you are taking or bring the actual medicine to the clinic if you are unsure. Remember to include prescription medicines, any over-the-counter medicines and any herb or vitamin supplements. Please bring the name and telephone number of your GP or any other specialists who care for you. You should also bring the results of recent tests or X-rays that have been carried out.

At the pre-operative assessment clinic, you will meet the clinical team which will assess and prepare you for your surgery. If you are unable to speak English, kindly notify the staff before your arrival and an interpreter will be arranged. The receptionist will be there to welcome you and confirm your personal details.

A nurse will take your medical history and it is important that you give as much detail as possible about your past medical background as this might affect the outcome of your pending surgery. Your blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, urine and weight will be checked. The nurse will ask you about the medicines you are using and whether you have any allergies.

An anaesthetist will examine you and discuss the various types of anaesthesia as well as methods of pain control. You will also have access to an anaesthetist before the procedure, either in the ward or in the operating theatre.

A surgeon will examine you and discuss your forthcoming surgery in detail. All the benefits and risks associated with the surgery will be explained and only once you are perfectly sure about what the surgery entails, will you be asked to sign a written consent form for surgery together with the doctor. The surgeon may also request further medical investigations or tests.

A physiotherapist may assess you regarding your rehabilitation after surgery. This will enable them to personalise and adjust your rehabilitation programme, making it easier for you to manage your daily activities. The physiotherapist will communicate with the therapists at your local hospital, who will be responsible for your follow-up care.

The night before your surgery, please do not eat or drink anything (‘nil by mouth’) after midnight unless you have been informed differently by the doctor. Failure to adhere to this important instruction might mean that your operation could be cancelled - for your own safety. The doctor will advise you on how and when to take any current medications. Avoid smoking the night before your surgery.
Going into hospital for an operation can be a daunting prospect for anyone.

But if you’re well prepared psychologically and physically then coping with major surgery will be much easier.