Surgery
Deciding to have surgery may have been an easy or difficult decision. A range of factors impact upon how risky surgery can be. As a patient, you can take steps to improve your wellness and decrease the chances of any complications occurring.
Fasting before your surgery under general anaesthetic
Clear instructions will be given about fasting.
It is important to follow these, as food or liquid in your stomach during your anaesthetic could come up to the back of your throat and damage your lungs.
You should stop drinking clear fluids at least 2 hours before your admission
Clear fluids include:
- water
- diluting juice
- black tea (including decaffeinated)
- black coffee (including decaffeinated)
Do not drink milk and drinks containing milk within 6 hours of admission. Milk (and drinks containing milk curdle) become semi solid in the stomach, and are treated as solids.
Your operation can be cancelled if you drink even a small amount of milk or tea or coffee within 6 hours of surgery.
Non-clear fresh fruit juices containing pulp (e.g., fresh orange juice) should be avoided within 6 hours of admission.
You should stop eating all foods and stop drinking some fluids 6 hours before your admission.
This includes:
- all foods
- all non-clear fluids
- tea or coffee with milk
- fizzy drinks
- fruit juices with pulp
- sweets, chocolate or chewing gum
- milk
You can eat normally on the day before your surgery but it is a good idea to avoid large or fatty meals. This is because fat and dietary fibre tend to remain in the stomach for longer than other foods.
Most people will not eat after midnight and this can be a convenient cut off point. Children can be given a snack before bedtime.
How long do I need to fast for?
- Clear fluids including water, juice, diluted cordial, black tea or coffee - 2 hours
- Breast milk (babies) - 4 hours
- Non-clear fluids including tea or coffee with milk, milk or fizzy drinks - 6 hours
- Snacks including toast, pastries, chocolate, sweets, crisps, or chewing gum - 6 hours
- Full meals - 6 hours
Important information
If you do not follow these instructions on fasting, your surgery may be cancelled. You may not be offered any further dates for surgery and you may be referred back to your GP.
Your anaesthetist will meet you before your operation
Your anaesthetist will meet you for a pre-operative consultation to discuss your general health; whether you are taking any medications, and whether you have any allergies. They will also discuss types of anaesthetic that can be used, and all the benefits and risks before advising on what would be most suitable.
You might find it helpful to bring a written list of any questions you want to ask.
Nothing will happen to you until you understand and agree with what has been planned for you. You have the right to refuse if you do not want the treatment suggested or if you want more information, or more time to decide.
After your operation
After the operation, you may be taken to the recovery room. Recovery staff will be with you at all times. When they are satisfied that you have recovered safely from your anaesthetic you will be taken back to the ward.