Pre-operative assessment and preparation
Pre-operative assessment clinic
Before your surgery, you will be contacted by the pre-operative assessment clinic.
This is a nurse-led clinic where we check that you are well enough to have surgery and an anaesthetic. Sometimes patients are contacted by telephone, and sometimes patients are seen in person.
The aim of this consultation is to make sure you are in the best possible health before your operation. This includes identifying and managing any existing medical conditions.
During the appointment, the nurse will ask about:
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Your general health and fitness
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Any previous illnesses or operations
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Any medications you are taking
You may also have some tests, including:
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Blood tests
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A urine sample
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An ECG (heart tracing)
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MRSA swabs
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Routine observations such as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, temperature, and oxygen levels
This assessment helps us plan your care and keep you safe during and after surgery.
Bowel preparation
You may or may not need to take bowel preparation before your operation. This depends on the type of surgery you are having and your surgeon’s preference.
If bowel preparation is needed, it will either be given to you at your pre-operative assessment or sent to your home with instructions.
Bowel preparation may include one of the following:
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Plenvu – a powder mixed with water that acts as a strong laxative. It clears your bowel and causes frequent, loose bowel movements.
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Enema – a liquid placed into the rectum (back passage) to help empty the lower part of the bowel.
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Senna – a tablet laxative used to help clear the bowel.
You will be given clear instructions on how and when to use your bowel preparation. If you are unsure, please contact the team before your surgery.
Carbohydrate loading drinks
A carbohydrate loading drink is a powdered drink mix designed for people having some types of major surgery. It is usually neutral in taste and mixed with water.
These drinks help prepare your body for surgery and support your recovery. A commonly used example is Preload.
Taking this drink before your operation has been shown to improve well-being and support recovery.
You will take the drink before surgery as follows:
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2 sachets on the evening before your operation
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1 sachet on the morning of your operation
The drink will usually be given to you at your pre-operative assessment, unless you have diabetes.
If you have diabetes, the team will give you alternative instructions.