Patient hub
Preparing for surgery
Clear preparation reduces risk and makes recovery smoother.
Pre-op instructions — fasting, medicine changes, stopping smoking — exist for your safety. Missing them can delay surgery or increase risk.
Surgery day is calmer when clothes, transport and home arrangements are sorted in advance. Work through the checklist below step by step.
General instructions
- Follow fasting rules for food and water exactly
- Do not start/stop blood thinners without guidance
- Avoid smoking and alcohol before surgery
- Report fever, cough or active infection early
- Complete consent and required tests on time
On the day
- Wear loose clothes; skip heavy makeup
- Leave jewellery and contact lenses at home
- Arrange transport home in advance
Red flags — call before surgery
- Fever above 38°C or a worsening cough
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Severe pain or vomiting at the surgical site
- New medicines started or an allergic reaction
- Ate or drank when you should have been fasting within 24 hours