Patient Info
What to expect on the day of surgery
Undergoing surgery can be a unnerving prospect for many patients and we understand that sometimes having knowledge can put some patients at ease. Following is an outline of what happens on the day of surgery so you can be as mentally prepared as possible.
Prior to Surgery
ARRIVAL
When you arrive at Southern Cross Hospital, enter through Gate B where there is plenty of parking. Note: this is a different entrance to Gate A where Simon saw you at the Axis clinic. Report to the Main Reception where your details will be checked. Once this is completed you will be directed to the waiting area.
DAY STAY WAITING ROOM
If your surgery is being performed as a day case procedure you will be taken to the day stay waiting room. If you are scheduled for overnight stay you will be admitted directly to the ward.
DAY STAY CONSULT ROOM
You will be taken into a consult room where the nurses will check you in, if you are on the ward this will occur in your room.
The nurses will go through the admission paperwork, and you will be asked to change into a blue hospital gown, leaving your own underwear on, and you will be given either socks or stockings depending on your risk factors for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
You will also be given a white dressing gown and a disposable hat to wear.
You will remain in the room until the theatre team are ready for you. Bring something to read as the wait time can vary, the nurses will keep you updated if there is any delay. You are welcome to have a family member or friend remain with you during this time.
Surgery
THEATRE WAITING BAY
When your surgery is about to begin a nurse will take you to a waiting bay outside the operating room. Your details will be checked again by the nursing staff, and Simon and the anaethetist will see you to sign the consent forms.
Please feel free to ask any questions at this point or let us know if you have any concerns. The waiting bay may be a little cool, so let us know if you need an extra blanket, and this area can sometimes be a little noisy.
THEATRE
Next you will be taken into the operating room by a nurse and asked to remove the white dressing gown, leaving the blue gown on.
Once on the bed your anaesthetist will perform a ‘check-in’ to double-check your details. An IV ‘line’ will be placed into your hand or forearm vein with a small needle. Routine monitoring leads will then be placed on your skin - a blood pressure cuff, three ECG pads to monitor your heart rate, and a pulse oximeter on your finger to measure the oxygen in your blood. A monitor may also be placed on your forehead to monitor brain activity.
You will then be given oxygen to breathe through a mask, before drifting off to sleep as the general anaesthetic medication is given through your IV line. Most procedures are performed this way with a ‘general’ anaesthetic.
Once your surgery is completed you be taken to the Post-Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU) where you will wake up. Simon will phone your next of kin to let them know that your surgery is complete.
Post Surgery
POST-ANAESTHETIC CARE UNIT (PACU)
When you wake up in the PACU (or ‘Recovery’ unit), the nurses will monitor you for signs of nausea, dizziness, or pain, and treat you for these if required.
You will be given local anaesthetic at the end of your surgery as we aim to minimise pain when you wake up, we will monitor you closely to ensure you are comfortable. You will remain in PACU for at least 30-60 minutes.
If your procedure is a ‘Day Stay’, once the nursing staff feel you are ready you will be asked to change back into your own clothes and they will transfer you to the Day Stay unit in a wheelchair.
If you are staying in hospital for the night, you will be wheeled back to the ward on your bed.
Day Stay & Patient Dischage
DAY STAY UNIT
You will be placed in a lazy-boy chair and given something to eat and drink. A family member or friend can join you as you recover. If you have any special dietary requirements these will be noted on your pre-admission documents, but please feel free to remind the nursing staff. You will be given a bell to use should you require assistance but let the nurses know if you have any concerns.
DISCHARGE PROCEDURE
(Day Stay Cases)
You can head home when you feel ready. Simon will aim to see before you leave between procedures, but if there is any wait you are welcome to be discharged and Simon will phone you later in the day to go over the surgery with you.
The day stay nurse will give you post-operative instructions specific to your surgery. You will be given a post-operative folder from Simon, containing written instructions, ACC forms for work if needed, details of your follow-up appointment, and a prescription for any medication required after surgery. If you have any concerns at any time about your wound, or any other aspect of your surgery please do not hesitate to get into contact with Simon or his Personal Assistant, Wendy.w
A nurse will phone you the first business day following your surgery to check on how you are recovering. Any concerns will be passed on to Simon and he will advise you as appropriate.
