Coming into hospital

What should I do before coming to hospital?

Here are some things that you can do to prepare yourself for your operation:

If you smoke, giving up for several weeks before the operation reduces the risk of breathing problems. The longer you can give up beforehand, the better. If you cannot stop smoking completely, cutting down will help. Please ask if you need advice about this. Your GP or local pharmacy may also be able to offer help.
If you are very overweight, reducing your weight will reduce many of the risks of having an anaesthetic.
If you have loose teeth or crowns, treatment from your dentist may reduce the risk of damage to your teeth if the anaesthetist needs to put a tube in your throat to help you breathe.
If you have a long-standing medical problem such as diabetes, asthma, thyroid problems, epilepsy or high blood pressure (hypertension) your GP should give you a checkup.
If you feel unwell when you are due to come into hospital, please telephone the ward for advice.

What will happen to me when I come into hospital?

The preparation may vary depending on the operation. The following are general points which apply in most instances.

You will be given clear instructions about when you should stop eating and drinking before your operation. It is important to follow these. If there is food or liquid in your stomach during your anaesthetic, it could come up to the back of your throat and damage your lungs. If you are taking medicines, you should continue to take them as usual, unless your anaesthetist or surgeon has asked you not to. For example, if you take drugs to stop you getting blood clots (anticoagulants), aspirin, drugs for diabetes or herbal remedies, you will need specific instructions.
You may be offered a sleeping tablet the night before so you are well rested in the morning.
You may need to have body hair removed from the operation site. You will be told if this is needed.

What should I do before my operation?

You will need to take a bath or shower to clean your skin and reduce the risk of infection. You will also be asked to remove all make-up and nail varnish. You will then be given a clean gown which ties at the back. If you wish to wear your underwear, tell the nurse. It must be cotton.
You will be asked to empty your bladder and bowels. You may be given suppositories or an enema to help with the latter.
You may be asked to wear special support stockings to help keep your blood circulating and prevent a clot forming.
You must tie back long hair. Don't use metal hairclips. You may be asked to wear a paper hat.
You must remove all jewellery except your marriage ring. This can be taped to your finger. Don't leave any valuables in your bedside locker. Jewellery and other valuables must be given to the nurses to lock away for safekeeping. You will be given a receipt for them.
You must remove contact lenses but you can wear your glasses, hearing aids, dentures or a wig to go to the operating theatre.
You may be given a pre-medication (a ‘premed’). This is the name for drugs which are sometimes given before an anaesthetic, although today they are not often used. Some premeds prepare your body for the anaesthetic, others help you to relax. They may make you drowsy so you mustn’t get out of bed after you have been given one – call the nurses if you need anything. They may also make you more drowsy after the operation – if you want to go home on the same day this may be delayed. If you think a premed would help you, ask your anaesthetist.

Don't worry if you don't remember everything. The nurses will explain each step before your operation.

We will try to respect any special requests or cultural needs – ask if you have any questions.

When will the operation take place?

You will be told approximately when you will be taken to the operating theatre. This time may change if there is an emergency or a delay.