A/Prof. Andrew Silvers

​

1. FASTING

   This is important. For adults having an elective procedure, solid food may be taken up to six hours prior to anaesthesia and clear fluids may be taken up to two hours prior to anaesthesia. Clear fluids are regarded as water, pulp free fruit juice, clear cordial, black tea and coffee. It excludes particulate or milk based drinks. In other words, do not eat or drink after midnight if your surgery is scheduled for the morning or after 7 AM if your surgery is scheduled for the afternoon. If you are being admitted on the day of surgery take the fasting time from your scheduled time of admission to the hospital.​

2. MEDICATIONS

   It is important to bring your medications (or a list of them) when you come into hospital. You will need to know the name, dose and when you take your tablets. It is always better to have a written list. In general you should take all your routine medications on the morning of surgery with a small amount of water.  EXCEPTIONS include Blood Thinning Drugs (such as Warfarin, Coumadin, Pradaxa, Plavix or Iscover Xeralto, Brilinta and there are others.) and Diabetic Medications (such as Insulin and diabetes tablets).  You will be notified before your operation if and when you should stop taking these medications. IF IN DOUBT PLEASE ASK.

​

​

​

On occasion it is necessary for some tests to be performed prior to your surgery.  These include blood tests, cardiographs (ECG) and chest x-rays and are performed to ensure that you are in the best possible medical condition prior to your surgery.