CHRONIC MEDICATION BEFORE ARRIVAL
Feeling anxious before surgery is completely normal. Knowing what to expect — and how to prepare — can help put you at ease.
Before arrival:
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Please bring a list of all medication you are currently taking, as well as any recent blood tests or investigation results.
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Inform us if you are using medication that affects blood clotting (often referred to as blood thinners). Some of these medicines may need to be stopped up to two weeks before surgery — always follow medical advice before doing so.
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Do not take diabetic medication on the morning of surgery, as you will be fasting and this helps prevent low blood sugar levels.
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Continue taking your blood pressure medication as prescribed on the day of surgery to avoid dangerously high blood pressure.
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Arrive at the hospital early, as the admission process can take longer than expected.
For your safety, it is essential that your stomach is empty when anaesthesia is given. Food or fluid in the stomach significantly increases the risk of complications during anaesthesia.
Please follow these fasting guidelines carefully:
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8 hours after a heavy or fatty meal
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6 hours after a normal meal (including milk)
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4 hours after breast milk
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2 hours after clear fluids such as water, clear apple juice, or clear energy drinks
If you are unsure about what you may eat or drink, please contact us for guidance. Failure to follow fasting instructions may result in your procedure being delayed or postponed. Your safety always comes first.
PRE-OPERATIVE FASTING
TYPES OF ANAESTHESIA
General Anaesthesia
Often referred to as a “GA”, general anaesthesia places you in a controlled state of unconsciousness so that you are unaware of the procedure. This is achieved using intravenous medication, inhaled gases, or a combination of both. These medicines prevent pain, sensation, and movement by acting on the brain and nervous system.
Local Anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia numbs a specific area of the body so that you do not feel pain in that region. It may be used on its own or together with general anaesthesia to improve comfort and assist with post-operative pain control.
i. Regional Anaesthesia
Neuraxial blocks:
Local anaesthetic is injected into the lower back, temporarily numbing and weakening the lower part of the body. This includes:
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Spinal
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Epidural
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Caudal
Peripheral nerve blocks:
Local anaesthetic is placed around one or more nerves to numb a limb or part of a limb. This may involve anything from an entire arm or leg to a single finger or toe.
ii. Local infiltration
Local anaesthetic is injected directly into the surgical area to reduce pain and provide numbness at the operation site.
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Conscious Sedation
Sedation involves medication that makes you relaxed and drowsy while still able to respond when spoken to. It is often combined with local anaesthesia.
Procedures such as cataract surgery, joint replacements, and endoscopic examinations are commonly performed using sedation, with or without additional local anaesthetic.
After your procedure, you will be taken to the recovery area, where you will remain until you are fully awake. Your vital signs — including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels — will be closely monitored. The recovery staff will also ensure that your pain is controlled and that you are not feeling nauseous.
Once stable, you will be transferred to the ward or a high-care unit, where trained nursing staff will continue your care.
As anaesthetists do not always work at the same hospital every day, we may not see you the following day. If you have any concerns, questions, or discomfort after your procedure, please contact us using the details provided.
POST-OPERATIVE CARE
ANAESTHETIC COMPLICATIONS
While modern anaesthesia is very safe, all medical procedures carry some degree of risk. Complications are uncommon, and serious events are rare. Possible risks include:
Common (1–10%)
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Nausea or vomiting
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Sore throat
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Headache or dizziness
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Discomfort at injection sites
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Temporary confusion
Rare (1 in 1,000)
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Injury to teeth, lips, or mouth
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Hoarse voice
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Difficulty passing urine
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Breathing difficulties
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Worsening of existing medical conditions
Very Rare (1 in 150,000)
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Allergic reactions to medication or equipment
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Eye injuries
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Inherited or genetic reactions to anaesthetic drugs
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Nerve injury or paralysis
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Awareness during anaesthesia
Extremely Rare
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Death or brain injury
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Heart attack or stroke
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Blood clots or severe bleeding
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Severe oxygen deprivation
If you experience any unexpected symptoms or concerns after your procedure, please contact us immediately.
Before your procedure, you will receive an anaesthetic consent form either in the ward or from your surgeon. It is essential that all information is completed accurately and honestly, including details about allergies, previous anaesthetic experiences, and medical conditions.
The consent form consists of two parts:
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Consent for the administration of anaesthesia
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Consent relating to the fees for anaesthetic services
Please take time to read and understand both sections before signing. Both parts must be signed for anaesthetic care to proceed.
You can view and download the consent forms from the Patients menu under “Procedure Info & Consent.”