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Dr Ed HalveySpecialist anaesthetist, Perth

Pre-op guidanceOn the day

On the day of your surgery

A little preparation makes the day go smoothly. Your hospital will tell you when and where to arrive. Follow their instructions, and use this as a general checklist. Tap each item to tick it off; your ticks are saved on this device.

Perth, Western Australia
Check your fasting times before you go. See fasting before surgery, and always follow the exact times your hospital gave you.

Before you leave home

  • Have a shower before you come in; skip make-up, nail polish and perfume
  • Take your usual medicines only as you have been advised. A small sip of water is always allowed
  • Leave jewellery, piercings and valuables at home
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to change out of
  • Arrange for a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you overnight

What to bring

  • Your admission paperwork and any referral or test results
  • A list of your medicines (and your inhalers or insulin if you use them)
  • Your glasses, hearing aids and any mobility aids, in a named case
  • Your Medicare card and any private health or concession details
  • Something to read or listen to. There is often some waiting

When you arrive

Staff will check you in, confirm your details, and prepare you for theatre. You will meet your anaesthetist and surgeon, who will confirm the plan with you. This is a good moment to mention anything that has changed since your assessment, or to ask any last questions.

After your operation

You will wake up in the recovery area where nurses look after you closely. When you are ready, you will return to the ward or the day-surgery unit. If you are going home the same day, make sure your journey home and your overnight support are organised in advance.

Really important For 24 hours after a general anaesthetic or sedation: do not drive, operate machinery, sign legal documents, drink alcohol, or care for others on your own. Your judgement and coordination can be affected even if you feel fine.

Going home

Before you leave, staff will give you instructions for your recovery, including how to manage pain. If Dr Halvey has given you a pain relief plan for your operation, you can view it in the after surgery section. If you become unwell at home, follow the advice you were given, contact the hospital or your GP, and in an emergency call 000.