Before Your Surgery

We understand that the time before surgery can feel uncertain, with a lot on your mind. Our operating room staff aim to care for you wholeheartedly, so you can go into surgery feeling as safe and settled as possible. Please don't hesitate to raise any worry or question. We wish you a smooth recovery and an early return to daily life.

Before and after your surgery

Pre-operative visit

To help you feel more at ease, a staff member visits your room beforehand to explain what to expect from the surgery and anaesthesia. Please raise anything on your mind.

Post-operative visit

After surgery, a staff member visits your room again. Please share anything you noticed, found difficult, or any post-operative pain; your feedback helps us improve our care going forward.

In the operating room

An automatic blood pressure cuff checks your blood pressure regularly. An IV line is placed in your arm, ECG pads are attached to monitor your heart, and a small clip is placed on a fingertip to monitor your oxygen level. You'll wear a soft surgical cap. Each step is explained as we go; please ask about anything you're unsure of or concerned about.

Preventing deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot forming in a deep vein of the leg, the same condition sometimes called “economy class syndrome” on long flights. Staying in one position for an extended period, as often happens during and after surgery, can slow blood flow in the legs and make this more likely. If a clot forms and breaks free, it can travel to the lungs and block an artery there (pulmonary embolism).

We take preventive measures including compression stockings and intermittent pneumatic compression devices.

Preventing patient mix-ups

Name band

You'll wear a name band showing your name while in your room.

Identity checks

We confirm that your name, date of birth, chart, and name band all match.

Final confirmation

Your name is confirmed four separate times between entering the operating room and the start of surgery. You'll be asked to state your own name and date of birth each time; we appreciate your cooperation.

Timeout

Just before anaesthesia begins, everyone involved in the surgery pauses together to confirm your name, the procedure about to be performed, right or left side where relevant, and sterilisation of the equipment to be used. We'll confirm your full name, the name of your procedure, and left or right side directly with you, and the whole team verifies this together; your cooperation here matters.

Preventing a retained surgical item

Incidents involving a retained surgical instrument, needle, or gauze occasionally make the news. In our operating rooms, everything used in surgery is counted multiple times before, during, and after the procedure, and we also use materials designed to reduce this risk. No such incident has occurred here.

Managing pain after surgery

Many patients feel some anxiety about pain after surgery. Where appropriate, we begin continuous post-operative pain medication during surgery itself, aiming to keep you as comfortable as possible afterward.