Preparing for Surgery

+ When is the right time to have surgery?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to deciding when to have surgery. This is a very personal decision and the most important in regard to decision-making is that you are comfortable with the choice you make.

+ What are the risks of surgery?

When making a decision about whether to have surgery or not, you should weigh up the potential benefits, risks and side-effects of the operation. These vary from patient to patient as well as from one operation to another. Please browse the patient resources on this website to help you understand the potential benefits, risks and side-effects of the operation relevant to you. Please book a consultation with Mr Kosuge if you would like to know more or ask further questions.

+ What can I do to help with my surgery and recovery?

• Diet - when you are recovering from surgery, your body is working hard to rebuild and heal. Healing requires a healthy and balanced diet. Mr Kosuge recommends foods rich in protein, vitamin C and iron in the weeks leading up to your operation.

• Exercise - Mr Kosuge recommends you build up your activity gradually and to give yourself plenty of time to do so before your operation. Exercise allows your body to cope better with the stresses put on it by your operation. If you have concerns about exercising due to your medical conditions, please consult Mr Kosuge before doing so.

• Weight - being overweight puts you at more risk of complications during and after surgery. If you are overweight, Mr Kosuge strongly advises you do your best to lose weight prior to your operation. Even losing 5 to 10% of your body weight can improve your health and reduce risks of complications significantly.

• Smoking - if you smoke, Mr Kosuge urges you to stop in period leading up to your operation. This can have an impact on your anaesthetic as well as your body's ability to heal. Both Rivers Hospital and The Princess Alexandra Hospital are smoke-free locations so Mr Kosuge suggests you use this as an opportunity to quit.

• Alcohol - please avoid alcohol 24 hours before your operation. Excessive alcohol intake can affect your body's ability to heal.

• Medication - certain medications need to be stopped before your operation. You will be given instructions at your pre-operative assessment clinic appointment.

• Diabetes - if you are diabetic, controlling your glucose levels before surgery will help reduce risks associated with surgery.

+ Should I stop taking my vitamins or herbs before my operation?

Certain vitamins and herbs may increase bleeding during your operation:

• Vitamin E

• Herbs including but not limited to garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng and tumeric

• Evening primrose oil

• Omega-3 fatty acids

Mr Kosuge recommends you stop taking all of the above, seven days before your operation. You may re-commence taking your vitamins and herbs seven days after your operation.

+ What is a pre-operative assessment clinic (POAC)?

This is an appointment where we assess your fitness for surgery and anaesthesia. You are booked into POAC once you have made the decision to proceed with surgery. Depending upon your individual fitness and the type of surgery you are having, you may go through various assessments. Investigations may include but are not limited to measuring your height & weight, pulse & blood pressure, conducting a urine test, blood tests, heart tracing (ECG) and swabs for MRSA.

You will also be given instructions about which medications to stop before surgery and when to fast for your surgery.

For further information.

+ What do I need to do the day of surgery?

Mr Kosuge asks that you please remove any nail polish or acrylic nails and not to wear make-up. All jewellery usually needs to be removed from your body before surgery. Consider bringing a case for glasses, contact lenses and/or dentures. Routine shaving around the surgical site should be stopped two days before surgery to reduce risks of infection.

Mr Kosuge recommends you bring appropriate nightwear for sleeping. Loose fitting comfortable clothing to wear during the day and comfortable well fitting shoes and slippers that are easy to both put on and take off. Footwear should have low heels and be secure on your feet to reduce the risk of tripping and falling.

You will be given instructions on when to stop eating and drinking at the pre-operative assessment clinic. This includes the need to avoid chewing gum. It is very important you follow these instructions to reduce the risks of aspirating your gastric contents into your airways/lungs.