Make sure you give your family and friends plenty of notice about your operation, so they can take time off work to be with you if necessary. Learn more about Bidwill Hospital...
Pre-operative assessment
You'll be asked to attend a pre-operative assessment. You'll be asked questions about your health, your medical history and your home circumstances. Some blood and urine tests may be carried out. This assessment will usually happen a few days before your operation. Make sure you know the results of any previous tests, as well as all the medications, vitamins and herbal supplements you take. You'll be given clear information on:
- whether you need to stop eating and drinking in the hours before your operation (see below),
- whether you should stop taking your usual medications before going into hospital,
- what to bring with you into hospital (see below),
- whether you'll need to stay in hospital overnight and, if so, for how long.
Importance of fasting
If your doctor has instructed you to fast before the operation, it's really important that you don't eat or drink anything – this includes light snacks, sweets and water. You need an empty stomach during surgery so you don't vomit while you are under anaesthetic. If your operation is in the morning, do not eat anything after midnight but you may have water to drink until 6:00am. For afternoon operations, have a light breakfast of toast or cereal (not a cooked breakfast) before 7.30am. You may drink water up until 11:00am. If you take insulin because of diabetes you will still need to avoid eating and drinking before surgery, but make sure your medical team is aware of your condition so appropriate precautions can be taken.
Hygiene
You'll need to remove all make-up and nail polish before your operation. Its a good idea to have a shower on the morning of your surgery before coming to the hospital.
Cancelling and rearranging your surgery
If you're unable to attend your hospital appointment or you don't feel well enough to have your operation, let the hospital (03 6871230) and the secretaries at Aorangi Surgical Group (03 6884447) know as soon as possible. Your admission will be rearranged for another day. Let your surgeon know if you develop a cough, cold or fever a few days before surgery. They will advise whether your operation can go ahead.
What to pack for hospital
- A nightdress or pyjamas
- Day clothes
- Reading glasses
- Clean underwear
- Dressing gown and slippers
- Small hand towel
- Toiletries – soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorantsanitary towels or tampons
- Razor and shaving materials
- Comb or hairbrush
- Book or magazines
- Small amount of money
- Medication that you normally take, and a list of the doses for each medicine
- Notebook and pen
- Healthy snacks
- Address book and important phone numbers, including your gp's contact details
