What to Expect on the Day of Your Surgery

• You should arrive at the Hospital at the appointed time to allow our staff sufficient time to prepare you for the surgery. Punctuality is essential. Arriving late to the Hospital may delay or postpone your surgery.

• Let the unit receptionist know that you have arrived.

• You may not be allowed to drink or eat anything for at least 6 hours before your surgery.

• You will be asked to observe the following standard practices:

• Remove any jewellery (e.g. watch, earrings, necklace, bracelet, nose ring) from the body.

• Remove any make-up and or nail polish.

• Remove dentures and/ or braces.

• Refrain from applying any perfumes, deodorants or body lotions.

• You will get an identification name band that you must wear around your wrist or ankle at​ all times. Please check that your information is correct.

• You will be asked to change into hospital clothing that will be provided by the staff​.

• Be prepared for repeated questions from various members of our medical staff. You may find the repeated questions a bit bothersome, but please note that this process is necessary before the surgery to ensure patient safety.

• Your family members, attendants or visitors will not be able to accompany you to the surgery area but can wait for you and return at the time you are expected to be discharged.

• The surgeon (doctor specially trained to perform your surgery) may come and speak with you.

• The anaesthesiologist (doctor specially trained to keep you unconsciousness or free of pain during the surgery) may come and speak with you.

• You may be given some medication to make you feel a little drowsy before you are taken to the operating room.

• You may have an IV needle (intravenous catheter), placed before the surgery. This allows fluids and medications to be delivered quickly and safely through your vein.

• Depending on your health and the length or type of surgical procedure, you may have a catheter (tube) inserted through your urethra into your bladder after you have received anaesthesia, so you will not feel or remember it. Your body always makes urine and the volume you make is a sign of the state of your health. The amount of urine passing through the catheter may be measured during surgery. The catheter may be in place when you wake up, but it will be removed as soon as it is safe to do so.

• You may have time to relax before surgery. You will be escorted to the operating room by our nursing staff. In the event of any delays, you will be informed.