Prior to Surgery
- Ask us if you are permitted to take your routine medications (such as those for heart, blood pressure or insulin etc.) before arriving for surgery.
- Stop Aspirin, Warfarin or any other blood thinning medications 5-7 days prior to surgery.
- Do not bring valuables such as money or jewellery to hospital. Do not wear make-up.
- You will be required to remove contact lenses, jewellery, dentures and wigs.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after discharge.
- Notify us if there is a change in your condition prior to surgery (such as a cold, cough, fever or infection). If severe your surgery may need to be postponed for your safety.
- Stop all herbal medications 4 week before surgery unless discussed beforehand, esp. Ginseng, Garlic, Gingko and St Johns Wort, which increase the risk of bleeding.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours prior to your surgery.
- DO NOT SMOKE for 4 WEEKS before surgery or your risk of serious complications increases.
Preparation for Surgery
For morning surgery:
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery unless otherwise indicated. This includes coffee, tea, and juice! Medication with a small sip of water is okay.
For afternoon surgery
- A small breakfast BEFORE 7AM is okay and no food, drink or water after that. Your surgery may be cancelled if you do not follow these instructions.
- Please shower at home the evening before surgery or in the morning
- Please do not shave the surgical site! It will be done for you if necessary. Shaving yourself increases the risk of infection.
- On the day of surgery, report to the hospital reception at the time specified by the hospital
- If you have not done so already, you will meet your anaesthetist
- After the operation, you will spend time in the recovery room before going to the ward
If you are a parathyroid patient, you must bring your parathyroid scan to the hospital with you on the day of surgery.
Discharge
- You will have a post-operative appointment. If you do not have an appointment please call our rooms to make one
- If you are discharged with medication please ensure you have the post-operative care instructions or download them from here
After discharge, and as long as you are taking prescription pain medicine:
You are not permitted to:
Drive a car or operate power equipment
Drink alcoholic beverages
Sign important documents
Instructions regarding safe resumption of the above activities will be provided by your surgeon.