One to two weeks before your operation, you will be seen in the Preadmission Clinic. One of our junior doctors will examine you and arrange for various tests to be performed. Shortly thereafter, you will be admitted for your surgery. On the ward, you will be reviewed by the surgical and anaesthetic teams. The operation details and possible complications will be discussed again with you, and for some procedures, the site of surgery is marked. If you have any unanswered questions, this is the time to ask them.
On the morning of your operation you will not be allowed any food or drink. Initial preparations for surgery will begin on the ward by asking you to change into a special gown and by going through a quick questionnaire. When it is your turn, you will be transferred in your bed to the theatre complex. The anaesthetic team will be awaiting you and will proceed with preparing you for surgery. This preparation involves the insertion of various lines and the attachment of a heart monitor. For larger operations, an epidural catheter (to deliver pain killers directly to the spine) and an arterial line (to directly measure the blood pressure) may be inserted. More lines and a urinary catheter may be inserted after you have been anaesthetised. Once anaesthesia is complete, the site of surgery is cleaned with an antiseptic, covered with sterile drapes and the procedure then begins.