PERI-OPERATIVE EDUCATION

Things to take note of before your surgery.

If you have any loose teeth or gum issues, please see a dentist as there is a risk of dislodgement during general anaesthesia.
Inform your doctors if you develop flu-like symptoms 1 - 2 weeks before your scheduled operation. Your operation may need to be postponed for your safety.
Inform the surgeon if you develop a fever 1 week prior to surgery.
If you are on any regular medications, kindly seek advice from your surgeon on which medications to continue and which medications to stop prior to your surgery.
Please stop smoking.
Chronic medications and supplements – please provide your surgeon and anaesthetist with a full list of what you are taking. Some medications need to be continued, and some have to be withheld as they can complicate your surgery and/or anaesthesia outcomes. *Please refer to XXX for a list of common chronic medications and instructions. Always refer to your surgeon/anaesthetists’ specific instructions.

You are required to fast for at least 6 hours before the surgery. You may drink water up to 2 hours before the surgery.
Chronic medications – as per your anaesthetist and surgeon’s instructions.
Kindly be punctual for your surgery to avoid delays.
Bring along your Identity card for registration.
If you are having a day surgery, ensure that someone is there to pick you up after the surgery.

You will be brought into the operating theatre/procedure room and physiologic monitoring devices will be attached to your body.
The Anaesthetist will set an intravenous cannula into your vein for the administration of anaesthetic medications prior your surgery.
You will then be given oxygen to breathe before you drift off to sleep.
Your anaesthetist will stay beside you throughout the surgery and take care of you.

You will be monitored closely following anaesthesia and surgery in the recovery room for potential side-effects and receive treatment, if needed.
After a suitable period of observation, you will be discharged from the procedure/operating room and be transferred to your bed.
Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or drink alcohol for 24 hours following anaesthesia.