Planning your operation
- A doctor will examine you and ask questions about your health.
- An anaesthetist (a doctor who specialises in anaesthetics and pain relief) will give your anaesthetic, and be responsible for your wellbeing and safety during your operation.
You may be asked to attend a pre-operative assessment appointment before admission for your operation. This is to make sure that you are well enough for an anaesthetic and surgery. You will be asked some questions about your health and will have a chance to discuss any concerns or worries you might have. Tests such as blood tests and X-rays or scans can also be carried out at this time.
You may also be asked to come into hospital one or two days before your operation. This means you can get used to the ward, meet the staff caring for you and receive any special preparation for your surgery.
Who will I meet before my operation?
You will meet several people before your operation. For example:
- A doctor will examine you and ask questions about your health.
- An anaesthetist will give your anaesthetic, and be responsible for your wellbeing and safety during your operation.
- Nurses will care for you before, during and after your operation. They will advise you what you can and can't do, and how you can prepare yourself. They will also tell you what to expect afterwards. You may meet specialist nurses, depending on your operation.
- A physiotherapist may visit you, and teach you breathing and leg exercises. Deep breathing can help to prevent a chest infection. Moving your legs keeps the blood circulating and can help prevent clots. You may also be taught other exercises, depending on the type of surgery you have.
- A social worker can offer advice or help about your job, home situation or finance, such as welfare benefits. Please ask if you wish to see a social worker.
- Depending on the type of operation you have, you may meet other members of the rehabilitation team. These might include occupational therapists to help you to achieve and maintain independence, or speech and language therapists who can help with communication and/or swallowing difficulties.
- Other members of the hospital team are also available to help, such as the chaplain. Voluntary services and groups of people who have had a similar operation may also be able to offer support.