Preparation For Surgery:
- Shower at home on the morning of your surgery.
- Notify us if you are unwell prior to your surgery (have a cough, cold, fever). Sometimes surgery needs to be postponed if you are unwell. This is done for your safety.
Medication
- If you are on regular medication ensure you have discussed with Dr O’Neill if you are permitted to take these on the day of your surgery. Most medications should be taken on the day of surgery with a small sip of water.
- If you are on any medication that thins the blood (aspirin, warfarin, plavix, isocover) you may need to stop these seven days prior to your surgery. Ensure that you have discussed these medications with Dr O’Neill prior to your surgery.
- If you are diabetic please ensure that you have discussed with Dr O’Neill what medication to take on the day of your surgery.
- Ensure that you stop all Herbal Medications at least one week prior to your surgery as some herbal preparations can increase the risk of bleeding.
Eating and Drinking
- For morning surgery, do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery unless otherwise specifically instructed.
- For afternoon surgery, you may have an early breakfast (prior to 7am) but nothing after this.
- For patients having colonoscopy you may drink clear fluids (water, tea) up until one hour prior to when you are due to arrive in hospital.
- Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours prior to your surgery
- Smoking increases the risks of surgery. Stopping smoking at least four weeks prior to your surgery is advised.
What to Bring:
- Do not bring valuables (money, jewellery) to hospital.
- Wear or bring comfortable clothing.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home when you are discharged from hospital.