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It is crucial for your safety that you follow these instructions.
Fasting
If your operation is in the morning you must not have anything to eat after 12 midnight. You may drink water up to 2 hours prior to the time you have been asked to attend the hospital. If your operation is in the afternoon please have a light breakfast prior to 7 am. Do not eat or drink anything after this time except for water which you may continue to drink in small volumes up to 2 hours prior to the time you have been asked to attend the hospital.
Preparation
Fitness aids in your recovery so to improve your general condition, you need to:
- Gentle exercise such as walking or swimming
- Stop smoking as soon as possible (ideally at least 6 weeks prior to your treatment)
- Reduce alcohol consumption. Please refrain from excessive alcohol the evening prior to your procedure.
Medications
Please bring all medications to hospital. You should take all your regular medications up to and including the day of your surgery. If you take insulin or tablets to lower your blood sugar please follow your surgeon's advice. Your surgeon may have asked you to stop taking medications that thin your blood.
Know the risks
Anaesthesia today is very safe however we always inform our patients of the possible risks. Please note that some of these risks are very remote. Your CAG anaesthetist will tailor your anaesthetic to minimise your risk of having complications during your surgery.
Minor complications may include:
- headache
- nausea and vomiting
- inflammation/bruising at injection entry point
- temporary nerve damage
- throat irritation from inhaling gases and breathing tube
Major complications may include (these are vary rare):
- dental damage
- recall during surgery
- heart attack
- stroke
- brain damage
- death
These risks are extremely low. Patients with heart or lung disease, blood pressure problems, have previously had a stroke, are diabetic or smokers are in a higher risk category, as are older patients. Major surgery and blood loss can also increase the risk. Allergic reactions to anaesthetic drugs are possible (although very rare).
31 Derby Street
COLLINGWOOD VIC 3066
FAX (03) 9923 2742
