Pre-operative information

Before your surgery

• Confirm details: Ensure you know the date, arrival time, hospital location, and planned procedure.
• Complete required tests: If you have been asked to arrange blood tests, ECG, imaging, or other investigations, please do these promptly.
• Tell us about changes: Contact our rooms if you develop a fever, respiratory infection, gastroenteritis, or other illness in the days before surgery.
• Smoking and vaping: If you smoke or vape, stopping (or reducing) before surgery improves healing and reduces complications.
• Alcohol: Avoid excess alcohol in the week before surgery.

Medications

Bring an up-to-date list of all medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and herbal products.

• Blood thinners: If you take anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications (e.g., warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor), you must inform our rooms. Stopping or adjusting these requires a plan.
• Diabetes medicines: Insulin and diabetes tablets often need adjustment around fasting and surgery. Follow your anaesthetist/hospital instructions.
• Weight loss injections: If you take GLP-1 medications (e.g., semaglutide), advise our rooms/anaesthetist as some hospitals recommend withholding before anaesthesia.
• Allergies: Tell us about medication allergies or prior reactions to anaesthetic agents, antibiotics, latex, or dressings.

Do not stop prescribed medicines without specific advice from your surgeon, anaesthetist, or GP.

Fasting (important)

Fasting rules are set by the hospital/anaesthetist. As a general guide:

• No solid food for a period before surgery (commonly 6 hours).
• Clear fluids may be allowed up to a shorter time before surgery (commonly 2 hours).

Follow the fasting instructions provided to you by the hospital/anaesthetist, as these override general guidance.

What to bring

• Photo ID and Medicare card
• Private health fund details (if applicable)
• Referral letter and test results if requested
• Current medication list
• Comfortable, loose clothing
• Any mobility aids you use (e.g., walking stick)
• CPAP machine if you use one for sleep apnoea (confirm with hospital)

Transport and support

• If you are having anaesthesia or sedation, you will need a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you afterwards as advised.
• Do not drive, operate machinery, or sign legal documents for at least 24 hours after sedation/anaesthesia (or as advised).

On the day

• Arrive at the hospital at the time instructed.
• Bring your paperwork and a list of your medications.
• Remove jewellery and leave valuables at home.
• Follow hospital instructions regarding showering, skin preparation, and dressings.
• Tell staff if you feel unwell, have chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, or a new infection.

After surgery (general)

Your post-operative instructions will be tailored to your procedure and will be provided by your surgeon and hospital. As general guidance:

• Follow wound care and activity advice carefully.
• Take pain relief as directed (do not exceed recommended doses).
• Contact the hospital or your surgeon if you develop fever, increasing redness or discharge from the wound, uncontrolled pain, persistent vomiting, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
• Attend your scheduled follow-up appointment.

Questions?

If you are unsure about any instructions, please contact our rooms.

This page provides general information only and does not replace advice from your treating team. For emergencies, call 000 or attend your nearest Emergency Department.