Preparation for surgery

Elective and emergency patients require different preparation.

Elective cases

• Consider pre admission clinic to address medical issues.
• Blood tests including FBC, U+E, LFTs, Clotting, Group and Save
• Urine analysis
• Pregnancy test
• Sickle cell test
• ECG/ Chest x-ray

The exact tests to be performed will depend upon the proposed procedure and patient fitness.

Risk factors for the development of deep vein thrombosis should be assessed and a plan for thromboprophylaxis formulated.

Oral fluids/fasting

Oral fluids:

• patients having surgery may drink clear fluids until 2 hours before their operation
• drinking clear fluids before the operation can help reduce headaches, nausea and vomiting afterwards
• clear fluids are water, fruit juice without pulp, coffee or tea without milk and ice lollies

Patients are generally advised to fast from non-clear liquids/food for at least 6 hours before surgery.

Diabetes mellitus