You’ll most likely be admitted to hospital on the day of your procedure.
The staff will get you to fast for at least 6 hours before your surgery. You may be allowed clear fluids up to 2 hours before surgery. (Clear fluids include water, pulp-free juice, clear cordial, black tea and black coffee.) Your stomach needs to be empty to reduce your likelihood of vomiting, which could damage your lungs.
Be sure to bring your imaging (X-rays, ultrasounds and/or MRIs) with you to the hospital, otherwise your surgery may need to be delayed or postponed.
You may have to fill out a consent form if you haven’t done this already.
You might be given an antibiotic to reduce your risk of infection after surgery.
Waiting to go into theatre
Expect to wait around for a while before your surgery, as you may not be first on your surgeon’s procedure list. If your anaesthetist has prescribed a pre-med, it will be given during this time.