Before your operation there are a number of things you can do to better prepare yourself for your anaesthetic:

Stop smoking. Smoking can affect your breathing during your anaesthetic. You should stop smoking for as long as possible prior to your operation.

Lose some weight. Being overweight can increase the some of risks of your anaesthetic. By losing weight you will reduce some of these risks.

Improve your fitness Your anaesthetic can be a real work out for your body. If you are fit, your body will find it easier to deal with the anaesthetic.

Inform your anaesthetist if you have any condition or are taking any medication that means you bruise or bleed more easily. Medications such as aspirin, clopidogrel and warfarin can do this.

Nil by mouth You should receive clear instructions from your doctor about how long you should not eat or drink prior to your operation. Please be aware if you do not follow this advice, your operation may be cancelled. It can be dangerous to have any food or drink in your stomach before your operation.

If you have not received clear instructions about how long you should not eat or drink prior to your operation or are unsure about how long you should not eat or drink prior to your operation, please contact your doctor at the hospital for further advice.

Pre-assessment clinic 

Before your operation we need to make sure that you are fit enough to undergo surgery. We will give you an appointment to come to the pre-operative assessment clinic two to three weeks before your operation. It is important for you to attend this appointment, otherwise your operation will unfortunately be cancelled.

At your appointment, you will see a senior nurse who will ask you a number of questions about your health and lifestyle, and examine you. You will also be weighed, your urine checked, and a pregnancy test may be done. Any routine tests before your operation, such as a chest x-ray, blood tests and an electro-cardiogram, where small pads are placed on your chest and a tracing of your heart is made, will be performed at this appointment.

Some of your medications may need to be stopped before your operation. Please bring any medications that you are taking to your pre-operative assessment clinic. Here we will advise you what you need to do. If you are still unsure about what to do, please contact the hospital for further advice.

If you feel unwell up to 14 days before your operation please contact your doctor at the hospital. It is important that you are as well as possible before your operation. Depending on the illness and how urgent the surgery is, your operation may need to be postponed until you are better.