Question 1

Before Your Day Care Surgery

Accepted Answer

Arrange for a family member or friend to bring you to the Hospital, take you home and stay with you after your surgery. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to change in and out of. Do not wear make-up or nail polish or apply creams on the day of surgery. Attend the Anaesthesia Clinic if your surgeon has advised you to do so. A member of the Day Care Surgery team will contact you one working day before surgery to confirm your arrival time and provide any additional information. Your scheduled surgery time may change because of emergencies or other unforeseen clinical circumstances. Check your admission details, including your surgeon's name, admission time and location. Follow the eating and drinking instructions provided by your surgeon or anaesthesiologist. If you feel unwell or have a fever on the day of surgery or in the days before surgery, contact your surgeon or the Hospital immediately. Your surgery may need to be rescheduled.

Question 2

What to Expect on the Day of Your Surgery

Accepted Answer

Arrive at the Hospital at the appointed time. Arriving late may delay or postpone your surgery. Let the unit receptionist know when you arrive. Follow the instructions provided by your care team about when to stop eating and drinking before surgery. You will be asked to: Remove jewellery. Remove make-up and nail polish. Remove dentures and/or braces. Avoid perfumes, deodorants and body lotions. You will receive an identification band. Check that your information is correct. You will be asked to change into hospital clothing. You may be asked the same questions by different members of your care team as part of the required safety checks. Family members, attendants and visitors cannot accompany you to the surgery area. They can wait in the designated area and return when you are expected to be discharged. Your surgeon and anaesthesiologist may speak with you before surgery. You may receive medicine to help you relax before surgery. An IV catheter may be placed to allow fluids and medicines to be given through a vein. Depending on your health and procedure, a urinary catheter may be inserted after you receive anaesthesia. If required, your care team will explain this to you. Nursing staff will accompany you to the operating room and will inform you if there are any delays.

Question 3

What to Expect in the Operating Room

Accepted Answer

Your anaesthesia will depend on your procedure and clinical needs. You may receive general anaesthesia or another form of anaesthesia that allows you to remain awake while preventing pain. The operating room team includes surgeons, assisting surgeons where required, nurses and technicians. The team follows sterile procedures and uses sterile equipment and supplies appropriate for your procedure.

Question 4

What to Expect After Your S​urgery

Accepted Answer

If you have received general anaesthesia, you will be taken to the recovery room and monitored by doctors and nurses. The time you spend in recovery will depend on your procedure and clinical condition. Family members are not permitted in the recovery room. You may experience shivering or nausea after anaesthesia. Your care team will assess and manage these symptoms as needed. If you have received local anaesthesia, you will be moved to the day-care ward once you are stable. You will likely have a surgical dressing over your incision. You may experience some discomfort or pain. Your care team will assess and manage your pain. You may be given something to eat and drink when appropriate and allowed to rest before discharge.

Question 5

When You Go Home After Your Surgery

Accepted Answer

Follow your surgeon's instructions for wound and dressing care. Follow your surgeon's advice about positioning your body after surgery. Follow instructions about physical activity, exercise, work and household activities during your recovery. Your recovery time will depend on the type of surgery and your individual circumstances. Follow the dietary and activity advice provided by your care team. Contact Us If Contact your surgical team or the Hospital if: You are unable to urinate four to six hours after surgery. You have severe pain that is not relieved by medication. You have bleeding from your incision. You develop a fever of 38.3°C (101°F) or higher .