top of page

BEFORE ANAESTHETIC

  • Please follow the instructions given to you by your surgeon, physician, and/or admitting hospital in regards to fasting, medication management, and admission time.

  • In general, it is okay to have up to 400ml of clear fluid, 2 hours before surgery. Clear fluids are regarded as:

    • Water​

    • Carbohydrate rich fluids

    • Pulp free fruit juice

    • Clear cordial

    • Black tea/coffee

    • IF UNSURE, DON'T DRINK IT!

  • If you are a smoker, stop at least 2 weeks before surgery to minimise the risk of complications, which may include​ hospital acquired chest infection, and wound infection

  • Do not consume alcohol, or use illicit drugs within 24 hours of surgery

  • Remember to bring all your usual medication to the hospital

  • If you use a CPAP machine, remember to bring it with you to the hospital

  • Time permitting, Dr Lee will conduct a pre-operative phone call the day before your surgery.

AFTER ANAESTHETIC

  • For day procedure, you must be accompanied home by an adult who can be physically and mentally able to make decisions for your welfare when necessary. The responsible adult must transport you home in a suitable vehicle. A train, tram, or bus is not suitable.

  • For patients requiring hospital stay after surgery, you will have medications charted, and given to you by nurses on a regular interval. These medications may include:

    • Paracetamol (Panadol/Panamax) - a mild pain killer with minimal side effect, and best used in combination with other pain killers​

    • Ibuprofen (Nurofen) - a moderate oral pain killer which should be taken with food. This drug is often avoided if you have a history of stomach ulcer, asthma, heart disease, or after stomach surgery

    • Strong pain killers (e.g. Palexia/Targin/Endone) -  you may be on this medication for only a short period of time, typically during the first 48 hours after operation. It may cause drowsiness, nausea, and constipation. 

    • Clexane - a medication to help prevent blood clots in the legs. It is given as a subcutaneous injection.

    • Anti-acid medication - this is typically prescribed after all stomach operation including weight loss surgery, and hiatal hernia repair.

  • Common side effects after anaesthetic may include:​

    • Bruising or sore spots from the insertion of intravenous or intra-arterial lines​

    • Sore throat from the placement of breathing device after you become unconscious

    • Nausea with or without vomitting

    • Shoulder tip pain is not unusual after key-hole surgery. It will typically settle within hours after the surgery. Pain killers will often help too.

Watch a video from the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) that explains what anaesthesia is.

Watch a video explaining what an anaesthetist does; how anaesthesia works; and the pain management options available to patients preparing for surgery.

bottom of page