Due to advances in medical techniques, anaesthetics and pain relief, a large amount of surgery can be performed as day surgery these days. A day surgery admission means that you are admitted to the hospital for surgery and post-operative recovery, and then discharged home on the same day. For day surgery, you must have a responsible person to drop you off at hospital, pick you up after surgery and stay with you that night. The following is an overview of what to expect during your admission.
Preparing for surgery
- Medical Evaluation
You may be required to have some tests before surgery, such as an ECG, X-ray or a blood test. Please advise Dr Mansfield if you have any other medical conditions eg. Diabetes, blood clots, hypertension, any allergies to drugs, food, surgical dressings, latex etc.
- Medications
Please advise Dr Mansfield of any medications you are taking. If you are on aspirin, warfarin or anti-inflammatory drugs, you may need to stop taking them prior to surgery.
- Smoking
Stop smoking at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. Smoking reduces circulation to the skin, which can result in delayed healing of the wound and can also increase anaesthetic risk. Smoking also increases the risk of infection by as much as 4 times.
- Preparing your skin for surgery
Use the Triclosan body wash in the shower on the 2 nights prior to surgery and on the morning of your surgery.
Report any scratches, wounds or skin infections that develop near your surgical site prior to surgery, as this will necessitate a delay of surgery due to the risk of infection.
You will need to have a nasal swab 2 weeks before your surgery. This is to check if you are carrying any bacteria that may cause wound infections. This will be arranged at the time you book your surgery in the rooms. If your result is positive for bacteria, we will phone you and organize treatment for this.
- General Health
Notify us if you develop any of the following in the days before surgery: fever, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough or cold symptoms.
- Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
DVT is the development of a blood clot in the deep veins, and is a possible complication of surgery. Depending on the type of surgery you are undergoing, you may receive an injection of anti-coagulant post-operatively and/or be prescribed aspirin after surgery.
Graduated compression stockings will be used after major leg surgery, or if you have a history of DVT, to help reduce the chance of DVT development.
The day of surgery
- Diet
You are required to fast at least 6 hours prior to your surgery. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery, or as advised by us.
Do not eat or drink anything when you wake up. You may clean your teeth but do not swallow any water. If you have regular medication to take, you may do so with only a sip of water.
- Preparing your skin for surgery
Use the Triclosan soap to wash all over your body.
- Personal belongings
Do not bring any valuables with you to the hospital. Please bring your X-rays and your regular medication with you.
- Hospital admission
Arrive at the hospital at the time printed on your admission form. During your admission, the nurse will ask about your medical and surgical history, take routine observations (blood pressure, temperature and pulse) and prepare you for surgery.
The surgeon and anaesthetist will come and speak with you before you go to the operating theatre. The operation site will be marked by the surgeon.
- Recovery
When your surgery has been completed, you will be transferred to recovery where you will wake up from your anaesthetic. A nurse will monitor your observations and administer pain and/or nausea medication as needed. You will move through to a second stage recovery area, where you will remain until you are ready to go home, usually a few hours after surgery. You will have something to eat and drink while there.
Before you are discharged, the nursing staff will give you your prescriptions for pain relief and any other medications you require. Post-op appointments will be arranged, and any post-op instructions will be given to you.
Your recovery at home
- Wound care
Dr Mansfield will call you the day after surgery and may advise you to change your dressings, or advise you to come into the rooms to have your dressings changed there.
- Pain relief
Pain is to be expected following surgery. You will be provided will prescriptions for analgesics when discharged from hospital. Your pain relief regime will be discussed with you on follow up visits with Dr Mansfield.
- Activity and Exercise
Exercise is a vital element of your rehabilitation. Follow instructions on any appropriate exercises given to you by Dr Mansfield. Do not forget that rest is also important for healing.
Other information
Contact Dr Mansfield or your GP if you have any questions about your medications or if you develop any of the following: