Preparing for major surgery
Having an operation can put a heavy strain on your body. However, there are several ways that you can improve your fitness leading up to your surgery which will help prepare your body for your operation and aid your recovery:
Pre-operative assessment
If you are having an operation, you should have a pre-operative assessment to check your fitness for surgery unless you are having a minor procedure under local anaesthesia. This is usually a nurse-led clinic and takes place several weeks before your operation. You must attend your pre-assessment appointment – otherwise your surgery may be cancelled.
The pre-assessment appointment involves:
- taking a medical history
- checking your current medication – please bring a list of your prescribed medications
- recording height/weight and blood pressure measurements
- taking blood tests and an ECG (heart trace recording), if needed
- doing a urine test, if needed
- doing a skin swab to see if you are carrying a bacteria (MRSA)
- explaining how to prepare for your surgery, including dietary instructions for the day before surgery
- planning for what happens when you leave hospital after your procedure If you have significant medical problems, you may also be assessed by a consultant anaesthetist at a further appointment. Some older patients may also be referred for a thorough assessment by a physician, an anaesthetist, a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist