Preparing for surgery

If you are facing the possibility of surgery, there are many things you can do to prepare. The information below walks through the stages of a typical surgical journey, from deciding whether to have an operation to recovering afterwards.

Surgery is not right for everyone#

You have the right to make your own decisions about your care, guided by the advice of health professionals. Once you learn that you may need surgery, talk with your healthcare team about your treatment options and decide together on a plan.

Make sure you fully understand the options available so you can weigh up the benefits and the risks before you agree to any treatment. If you are still unsure about the choices presented to you, you have the right to ask for a second opinion from another health professional.

Deciding whether to go ahead#

If you decide to have surgery, staying active and eating well in the months beforehand will help your recovery. If you have other health conditions that need managing, book an appointment with your doctor well before the operation so they can be brought under control.

It is worth speaking with your healthcare team if you:

• are older or not very active
• need help with daily tasks
• lose your balance easily or have fallen before

Giving your consent#

If you choose to go ahead with treatment, you will be asked to give your informed consent. This means you understand your condition and the treatment being proposed.

Before you sign a consent form, it is your doctor’s responsibility to clearly explain any information relating to your medical condition and treatment so you can make an informed decision. It is your responsibility to make sure you understand the risks by asking as many questions as you need to. You can refuse or withdraw your consent at any time before the surgery.

Getting ready for the day#

Once you have a surgery date, there are things you should do to prepare, especially in the week leading up to the operation. Following the instructions you are given carefully helps avoid having the surgery cancelled.

Common reasons for a surgery being cancelled include:

• medications not stopped at the right time
• fasting incorrectly before the procedure
• a change in your circumstances or health
• the hospital needing to reschedule

It is common to feel nervous on the day of surgery. If you are unsure of anything, there will be opportunities to ask questions at each stage of the day. While every hospital may do things in a slightly different order, staff will explain what to expect as you go.

Your recovery#

As soon as your surgery finishes, your recovery begins. It starts in hospital and continues at home. Depending on the type of surgery you have, you may be able to go home the same day, or you may need to spend some time in hospital first.

Your healthcare team can tell you what to expect during recovery, both in hospital and once you are home.

Key points#

• You have the right to make your own decisions about your care, and to seek a second opinion.
• If you choose to go ahead, you will be asked to give your informed consent, which means understanding your condition and the proposed treatment.
• It is your responsibility to make sure you understand the risks by asking as many questions as you need.
• Surgery can be cancelled for common reasons, such as medications not being stopped or fasting being done incorrectly.
• It is normal to feel nervous on the day of surgery, and you can ask questions at every stage.