The experience of surgery begins long before the operating room — days, weeks, or months of preparation can make recovery smoother. Good preoperative education and planning reduce anxiety, improve understanding, and are associated with better postoperative outcomes.
Why Is the Procedure Needed?
Before you consent, understand:
The reason for the operation and how it helps your condition.
Alternative treatments and likely outcomes if you delay or decline surgery.
Urgency: whether the surgery is emergency, urgent, or elective — and what delay could mean.
If the situation is not an emergency, a second opinion is reasonable.
Practical Checks for the Hospital and Finances
Confirm that the facility is equipped for your surgery, including access to an ICU, blood bank, and imaging if needed. Check insurance coverage, and if paying out-of-pocket, ask for a written cost estimate in advance.
Optimising Your Health (Prehabilitation)
“Prehabilitation” means preparing your body and mind before surgery. Exercise, nutrition, hydration, sleep, smoking cessation, and stress management all help recovery. Programs that combine these components can improve function and reduce complications after major surgery.
Practical tips:
Stay active with light exercise such as walking or breathing exercises.
Eat a balanced diet and stay well hydrated.
Report any fever, cough, or illness before admission.
Stop smoking as early as possible; even short breaks help healing.
Meeting the Anaesthesiologist — Your Partner in Surgical Safety
Before surgery, you will meet your anaesthesiologist — your key partner in ensuring comfort and safety throughout the procedure. During this meeting, they will review your medical history, previous surgeries, and any prior anaesthesia experiences. A physical examination may be performed, and tests ordered to identify potential issues that could influence your care.
Your anaesthesiologist will explain the type of anaesthesia planned — whether you’ll be completely asleep (general anaesthesia) or have only a part of your body numbed (regional or local). They will also give you fasting and medication instructions. Bring a complete list of all medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Some medicines, such as blood thinners and certain herbal preparations, may need to be stopped several days before surgery, while most blood pressure and anti-seizure medications are usually continued.
You will also discuss the plan for postoperative pain relief and possible side effects or risks related to anaesthesia.
This consultation is an important opportunity to build trust and confidence. Your anaesthesiologist will remain by your side throughout surgery, continuously monitoring your vital signs and adjusting medications to keep you safe and comfortable.
Fasting: What You Should Know
For most elective procedures, current guidance allows clear fluids up to 2 hours before anaesthesia and a light meal up to 6 hours before, but this varies with age, health, and local policy. Always follow the fasting instructions provided by your care team.
Day of Surgery — Practical Checklist
Follow fasting and medication instructions exactly.
Shower with antibacterial soap the night before and morning of surgery.
Pack ID, insurance details, and routine medications.
Have a responsible adult accompany you to and from the hospital.
Remove jewellery, dentures, contact lenses, nail polish, and makeup.
Expect to change into hospital clothing and have the surgical site marked.
In the Operating Theatre
The theatre can feel busy and cold. Monitors and staff will attach sensors to track your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen. The anaesthesia team will administer anaesthesia and monitor you continuously throughout the procedure.
After Surgery — PACU and Recovery
You will be taken to the Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for monitoring of breathing, circulation, and pain until you are stable for transfer to your ward or discharge. The PACU team will manage pain relief and other immediate postoperative needs.
Discharge and Home Recovery
Recovery time varies depending on the surgery. Before discharge, review your summary carefully:
Medication and wound-care instructions.
Follow-up appointments.
Emergency contact numbers.
Be alert for red-flag symptoms that require immediate medical contact:
Persistent fever.
Bleeding or pus from the wound, or wound gaping.
Shortness of breath, chest pain, or sudden swelling.
Severe or worsening pain not controlled by medication, or sudden confusion or drowsiness.
Conclusion
Every surgery is a partnership — between you, your surgeon, your anaesthesiologist, and the entire healthcare team. Understanding the process, following preoperative advice, and staying informed about your care can make a remarkable difference to your recovery and peace of mind. Remember, good preparation is the first step toward a safe and successful surgery — and your active participation plays a vital role in that journey.
Please Note
This information is general and for educational purposes. Always follow the personalised advice of your surgeon and anaesthesia team.