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FAQs
Why can’t I eat before my anaesthetic ? Food in your stomach might passively come up your gullet and pass down into your lungs resulting in lung damage. Will anyone be with me while I’m asleep ? I will be present for the complete duration of your anaesthetic until you reach the recovery area. Why do I have to remove my tongue stud ? Metal instruments may be passed over your tongue while you are asleep and tongue studs catch and get in the way. |
Before Your Anaesthetic
Managing other medical conditions
Other medical conditions should be under good control prior to a planned surgical procedure, e.g. high blood pressure, asthma and diabetes.
Blood Pressure
The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland and the British Hypertension Society have now published national guidelines regarding blood pressure management before anaesthesia. The recommendations are simple and pragmatic: a general practitioner should only refer a patient for surgery when he or she includes a blood pressure taken within the last six months. Older patients should be screened for high blood pressure and younger patients will normally have a basic medical before a GP refers so this is merely a matter of including data that the GP has in their letter. The blood pressure should be below 160 systolic (the higher reading) and 100 diastolic (the lower reading which we write as 160/100). If it is higher than this then the GP should manage the blood pressure before referral. But importantly if it is lower the blood pressure should not be taken again by either the surgeon nor the preassessment clinic nor indeed in hospital before the anaesthetic. The reason for this is the blood pressure often rises due to anxiety and patients with an acceptable blood pressure may have unacceptably high readings due to the so-called 'white coat syndrome' when they are admitted.
Smoking
Cessation of smoking a few weeks prior to your anaesthetic will allow your lungs to recover and help your breathing during your operation. It will also increase the levels of oxygen in your blood and improve wound healing.
Teeth
If you have loose teeth, please see your dentist prior to your anaesthetic.
Starvation
Please follow the hospital guidelines carefully prior to a general anaesthetic.
Pre-operative visit
We normally meet for the first time when I visit on the day of surgery. This is where I will carry out an assessment, and discuss the options for anaesthesia and pain relief. After the operation, I will visit you again to ensure all is well. I can be contacted by your surgeon or nursing staff if there are any concerns at any time during your hospital stay.
Other medical conditions should be under good control prior to a planned surgical procedure, e.g. high blood pressure, asthma and diabetes.
Blood Pressure
The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland and the British Hypertension Society have now published national guidelines regarding blood pressure management before anaesthesia. The recommendations are simple and pragmatic: a general practitioner should only refer a patient for surgery when he or she includes a blood pressure taken within the last six months. Older patients should be screened for high blood pressure and younger patients will normally have a basic medical before a GP refers so this is merely a matter of including data that the GP has in their letter. The blood pressure should be below 160 systolic (the higher reading) and 100 diastolic (the lower reading which we write as 160/100). If it is higher than this then the GP should manage the blood pressure before referral. But importantly if it is lower the blood pressure should not be taken again by either the surgeon nor the preassessment clinic nor indeed in hospital before the anaesthetic. The reason for this is the blood pressure often rises due to anxiety and patients with an acceptable blood pressure may have unacceptably high readings due to the so-called 'white coat syndrome' when they are admitted.
Smoking
Cessation of smoking a few weeks prior to your anaesthetic will allow your lungs to recover and help your breathing during your operation. It will also increase the levels of oxygen in your blood and improve wound healing.
Teeth
If you have loose teeth, please see your dentist prior to your anaesthetic.
Starvation
Please follow the hospital guidelines carefully prior to a general anaesthetic.
Pre-operative visit
We normally meet for the first time when I visit on the day of surgery. This is where I will carry out an assessment, and discuss the options for anaesthesia and pain relief. After the operation, I will visit you again to ensure all is well. I can be contacted by your surgeon or nursing staff if there are any concerns at any time during your hospital stay.