General Information

Do not eat or drink eight hours before the surgery.
Admission is usually two hours before the surgery.
Important medication such as anti-hypertensive or heart medication that is usually taken in the mornings, should be taken as usual with a small amount of water.
Avoid any medication or supplements that have a blood thinning effect two weeks before the surgery. This increases the risk of bleeding during or after surgery. These include all aspirin containing medicines, anti-inflammatory medicines, herbal/homeopathic medicines and most vitamins/supplements. Please discuss this at the time of consultation to reduce risk.
Stop smoking and the use of nicotine containing products four weeks before surgery until four weeks after the surgery. Nicotine reduces blood circulation to the skin that could lead to necrosis (death) of the skin. The effect of smoking on the lungs increases the risk of coughing when waking up after the anaesthetic that increases the risk of bleeding. Please discuss this at the time of consultation to reduce risk. This applies to most procedures.
Patients who are discharged on the day of surgery must arrange transport home. According to legislation, a person may not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery for 24 hours after general anaesthetic.
On discharge, a script will be provided for pain-killers and antibiotics if necessary.
Further detail about peri-operative care will be discussed fully at the time of consultation.