Preparation for Surgery: What you need to know

On the day prior to your operation, your Ward Physician will explain the procedure scheduled for your operation. The interview with the anaesthetist will proceed similarly. You will need to provide both with your signature to indicate your consent with the scheduled operation.

The evening before the operation, preparations for surgery will commence. From approximately 10 pm, the intake of food (including drinks) is no longer permitted, as a filled and insufficiently empty stomach poses an additional risk under anaesthetic. This also applies on the day of surgery. Smoking, lollies and chewing gum are prohibited during the entire period from 10 pm on the day before the operation until the actual operation.

Feel free to rinse your mouth at any time to reduce any feelings of thirst you may experience. Alternatively, ask the nurse to provide you with a corresponding spray or lemon sticks.

Following agreement with the anaesthetist you may, however, take drugs prescribed by your physician with a sip of water.

Your charge nurse will administer the premedication to you on the evening before surgery and on the day of the operation. The premedication is, in essence, a "sleeping pill", which is intended to remove any fears or anxiety you may have regarding the operation, and aid your sleep.

In the morning, please put on the operation gown you will be given by us. All other items of clothing must be taken off. Please also remove all objects that are not naturally part of you; e.g. dentures, glasses, contact lenses, jewellery, piercings etc. Hearing aids can be left in place, following prior agreement.

Please be patient when waiting for your turn for surgery. If an emergency arises or other organisational reasons render it necessary, your operation might have to be delayed.

After the operation you will be looked after in the Intensive Care Unit for one to two days and subsequently transferred back to the General Ward.