Preparing the patient for surgery

When the hospital asks a patient to come in for an operation, it usually sends a set of instructions explaining: how to prepare yourself; a list of things you should bring with you; information about what is going to happen to you.

The hospital will also send details of your admission, along with a medication history and allergy enquiry form, which will need to be completed and signed by your GP or a nurse at the practice. Not all hospitals require this signed form, instead asking that you bring in your usual medication on admission.

Everyone who is going to have a scheduled operation needs to see a specialist surgeon beforehand. The surgeon will explain to you what kind of operation you will require.

There is a difference between an outpatient operation (day-case procedure) where the patient can go home the same day, and an operation that requires several days in hospital (inpatient procedure).

What happens before an outpatient operation?

If the operation is going to be performed under a local anaesthetic, there is usually no need to make special preparations.

If it is a minor operation that requires a general anaesthetic, the doctor will ask about your health in general and if you are allergic to anything, such as penicillin or sticking plaster.

You will also be asked about any medication you are taking, whether or not you smoke and how much alcohol you drink. The doctor will listen to your heart and lungs and check your blood pressure.

This information will be given to the anaesthetist who will make sure you won't have any problems with the general anaesthetic, such as an allergy.

On the day of the operation, you must not eat or drink anything for six hours before having a general anaesthetic.

What happens before an operation requiring a hospital stay?

If the operation involves staying in the hospital, you may be asked to come in a day or two beforehand for a few investigations. Tests often include a blood sample, possibly an electrocardiogram and maybe an X-ray of your heart and lungs. Some people will need additional investigations before their operation.

If you need to stay in hospital for a few days, a nurse will explain exactly what to expect during your stay.

The day before the operation you will be visited by the anaesthetist. He or she will plan what kind of anaesthetic will be used, and how it is going to be given. In some cases, you will be offered a sedative on the day of the operation itself. You can't eat, drink or smoke in the six hours before an operation, but you will be allowed to take any morning medicine, which the nurse will give you.

Before the operation you will be asked to sign a consent form, indicating that you understand the nature of the operation and giving your consent for it to be carried out.

There is always a degree of risk involved when an operation is performed, but it is usually quite minor, depending on the type of operation.

Your heart, lungs, and kidneys will be strained to some extent, and if any of these organs are weak, the risk of complications increases. And if you are overweight, the risk is greater. If you have an infection, it should be treated before the operation.

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allergy enquiry form a scheduled operation a general anaesthetic investigations to sign a consent form

бланк щодо наявних алергічних захворювань запланована операція загальний наркоз опитування підписати форму згоди