Q. How long do I need to fast for prior to my operation?

A. The reason for not eating or drinking prior to your operation is so as to prevent the possibility of regurgitation of the contents from your stomach into your throat and down in to your lungs. Should this occurr this is a potentially life threating complication and needs to be taken very seriously. So as to prevent this happening there are some general guidelines to observe regarding starvation times. Generally patients are requested not to eat for 6 hours prior to elective surgery and to abstain from drinking any clear fluids for 2 hours pre-operatively.

Your surgeon and /or your anaesthetist may have specific changes to these guidelines in certain operations or if you suffer from specific medical conditions.

Q. Should I take my usual medications before my anaesthetic?

A. As a general rule you should continue to take your usual prescribed medication with a sip of water before your anaesthetic. It is especially important that you do not omit to take your usual heart medications.

Q. I am diabetic, how does this affect my anaesthetic?

A. If you are diabetic, you may become hypoglycaemic if you continue to take your usual insulin or tablets when you are starving. As a general rule, you should cease to take your insulin or tablets once you begin your pre operative fasting. You will be able to recommence your usual diabetic medication once you are eating and drinking following your surgery. If you have unstable or brittle diabetes you may have to be admitted to hospital before your surgery to closely monitor your blood sugars. If in any doubt you should seek advice from your general practitioner, surgeon or your Axxon anaesthetist.

Q. I am always nauseated after anaesthetics, what can be done about this?

A. Often the degree of nausea following an anaesthetic is related to the type of surgery you are having as well as your anaesthetic.  Gynaecological, ENT and abdominal surgery are the worst offenders. Physical actors such as obesity and indigestion also contribute to post operative nausea. There have been significant advances in the treatment of post operative nausea and vomiting in the last few years that are available to you. If you are prone to nausea and vomiting you should inform your anaesthetist when he sees you pre operatively.

Q. I am taking blood thinning medication, how does this affect my anaesthetic?

A. If you are taking anticoagulant medication (warfarin, heparin, clexane) or anti-platelet medication (aspirin, clopidrogel) you should check with your surgeon well in advance of your surgery because many of these drugs last in the body days or weeks and may need to be ceased or altered well in advance of your surgery. It is imperative that your anaesthetist is aware If you are taking any of these medications especially if you are to undergo epidural or spinal anaesthesia.

Q. I don’t like having a mask on my face before I go to sleep, do I have to have it?

A. As you are going to sleep a mask administering oxygen is generally placed lightly over you mouth and nose, this is to ensure that your body continues to receive sufficient oxygen when your breathing becomes shallow. Whist the masks may smell unpleasant, this route of  administration of oxygen is for your own safety and well being. Clear and scented masks may be available in some hospitals.

Q. I don’t like needles, do I have to have a needle?

A. A needle or drip is placed in your arm to ensure your safety as you undergo anaesthesia. Having your safety in mind, most anaesthetists will insist on inserting a needle or drip before putting you to sleep. Exceptions to this rule are babies, small children and adults with severe needle phobias.