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How to prepare for an anaesthetic

You are at less risk of problems from an anaesthetic if you do the following:

  • Increase your fitness before your anaesthetic to improve your blood circulation and lung health. Ask your GP about exercising safely.
  • Lose weight as this will reduce many of the risks of having an anaesthetic. Ask your GP about losing weight safely.
  • Stop smoking as early as possible before your surgery to give your lungs and heart a chance to improve. Smoking cuts down the oxygen in your blood and increases breathing problems during and after an operation.
  • Drink less alcohol, as alcohol may alter the effect of the anaesthetic medicines.
  • Do not drink any alcohol 24 hours before surgery.
  • Stop taking recreational drugs (this includes recreational smoking such as marijuana) before your surgery as these may affect the anaesthetic.
  • Ask your surgeon and/or anaesthetist if you should stop taking your anticoagulant or antiplatelet (blood thinning) medicines before surgery as it may affect your blood clotting: Do NOT stop blood thinning medicines without medical advice. If you are asked to stop taking blood thinning medicine before your procedure, ask your doctor/clinician when you can restart the blood thinning medicine.

On the day of the procedure:

  • Nothing to eat or drink (‘nil by mouth’): you will be told when to have your last meal and drink. Do NOT eat (including lollies), drink, or chew gum after this time otherwise your operation may be delayed or cancelled. This is to make sure your stomach is empty so that if you vomit, there will be nothing to go into your lungs.
  • If you are a smoker or drink alcohol: do not smoke or drink alcohol.
  • If you are taking medicines: most medicines should be continued before an operation and taken the usual time even on the day of surgery with a sip of water. There are some important exceptions:
    • your doctor/clinician will provide special instructions about your medicines
    • take to the hospital all your prescribed medicines, those medicines you buy over the counter, herbal remedies and supplements to show your anaesthetist what you are taking.
  • If you feel unwell: telephone the ward/ hospital for advice.
  • Tell your doctor/clinician and the anaesthetist if you have:
    • Health problems (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, infectious diseases, serious illnesses, mental health disease)
    • A drug addiction
    • Had previous problems and/or known family problems with anaesthesia
    • False teeth, caps, loose teeth or other dental problems
    • Been taking prescribed and/or over the counter medicines, herbal remedies and supplements; this may include and is not limited to blood thinning medicines, the contraceptive pill, antidepressants and/or diabetic medicines (e.g. insulin)
    • If you are pregnant
  • Mention ALL allergies/intolerances of any type and side effects.
  • Please remove nail polish as it interferes with pulse oximetry readings.

Consent and information leaflets:

Please ensure that you have completed and signed the anaesthetic consent form. Ensure that you have read all information leaflets provided to you and that you fully understand the costs and risks before signing informed consent. If you have any concerns, please discuss these with your anaesthetist.

Anaesthetic consent form