How To Prepare For Day Surgery

Plan Ahead of Hospital Visit to Avoid Problems on Operation Day

Sep 2, 2009 Sharon Ketelaar

How to be organised and prepared for your Day Surgery operation day - a little forward planning can ensure a problem-free hospital visit.

Planning and preparation ahead of the surgery date can help make your hospital stay trouble-free. Start at least one week prior to surgery and follow these simple tips for an optimum Day Surgery experience.

One Week Before Day Surgery Date

• Read through any instructions given by the doctor or the hospital.
• Doctor may instruct that some medications be stopped prior to surgery. Write down the day the last dose is actually taken.
• Medications used to thin the blood such as Warfarin or Aspirin are often ceased 3, 5 or 7 days prior to surgery to reduce bleeding during and after the surgery. It is important to follow doctor’s instructions exactly. Depending on the patient's medical conditions and the procedure being done, the doctor may decide not to cease aspirin. When Warfarin is ceased before surgery it is usually replaced with a daily injection arranged by the doctor.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used to treat arthritis may also need to be stopped.
• Plan the journey to hospital by car or public transport. Estimate how long the trip will take, not forgetting to allow for traffic and finding parking. Make arrangements for someone to drive the patient to hospital; even after minor surgery, capabilities will be impaired by the lasting effects of anaesthetic drugs and the patient is not legally allowed to drive home.

One Day Before Surgery Day

• Re-read the information provided by the hospital to refresh your memory.
• Check the hospital name and address.
• Double check the allocated arrival time.
• Confirm travel arrangements and time with the person driving to the hospital; or book taxi; or check timetables and service availability if travelling by public transport.
• Check the instructions for the time to start fasting. It is common to fast from midnight for morning surgery; for afternoon surgery, to fast from a specific time after a light breakfast. Fasting means not eating or drinking anything at all. This includes chewing gum, throat lozenges, cough syrups and sweets that dissolve in the mouth.
• Write a list of any allergies you have to medications, foods or medical equipment and dressings.
• Write a list of the medications currently taken in case clarification is needed.
• Write a list of phone numbers of possible escorts home, even if definite arrangements have been made with a relative or friend to collect you after surgery. If unexpected circumstances arise for your escort or your discharge is delayed you may need to contact someone else. Sometimes the effects of anaesthetic drugs make it difficult to recall other phone numbers immediately after your surgery.
• Avoid alcohol on the day before surgery.
• Remove any nail polish from fingernails and toenails.
• Make sure you have adequate water to drink in the evening as you will not be able to drink once you start fasting.
• Get to sleep early so you are well rested and refreshed before your day surgery procedure.

Related Articles:

10 Tips For Day Surgery Procedure Patients

What To Take To Hospital For Day Surgery

The copyright of the article How To Prepare For Day Surgery in General Medicine is owned by Sharon Ketelaar. Permission to republish How To Prepare For Day Surgery in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Prepare for Day Surgery Operation Day

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