For day-case procedures, you should try to arrange for somebody to stay with you at home for the first 24 hours. A day case surgery may be performed either under local anaesthetic or else under general anaesthesia. Modern anaesthetics are quickly flushed out of your system however general anaesthesia can temporarily affect your co-ordination and reasoning skills, so you should not drink alcohol, operate machinery (including driving) or sign legal documents for 48 hours afterwards. You will need to get someone to drive you home.

If you smoke, you should give up smoking a few weeks before surgery. This will significantly reduce your risk of breathing problems during and after general anaesthesia.

On the day of your operation
You should have a bath or shower at home on the day of your admission. You should also remove any make-up, nail varnish and jewellery.

Follow the fasting instructions given in your admission letter. Typically, you must not eat or drink for about six hours before general anaesthesia. However, some anaesthetists allow occasional sips of water until two hours before your operation.
It is important to have an empty stomach when you have a general anaesthetic because you are less likely to be sick. Vomiting while you are unconscious can be dangerous because you can't cough, so fluid from the stomach may get into the lungs.

You should tell your anaesthetist if you have any dental crowns, bridges or loose teeth. These can be vulnerable to damage because a tube is usually put in your mouth while you are unconscious.

At Operating Theatres:
Our state of the art operating theatres are fully equipped to meet the needs of our day procedure operations. We are well equipped with the latest instrumentation and innovations. We have experienced theatre nurses who are specialists in the fields of surgery we perform.
The anaesthetist, surgeon and nurses form part of the team that will care for you as you have your surgery. Please feel free to ask the nurses or medical officers any questions you may have prior to your surgery. We aim to make your surgery as stress free as possible but the operating theatres can be an intimidating place. Please be assured, the array of equipment and staff are there for your safety.

Post-operation recovery

Our well equipped recovery room is staffed by highly skilled registered nurses. Together with the anaesthetist they will ensure that your recovery from surgery is completed safely.
Once awake, you will rest comfortably in bed. Vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse will be regularly assessed. It is important that you mention to the staff any difficulties you may be having. Pain and nausea can be relieved by medication and if appropriate a combination of medication and natural therapies.
Following some light refreshments, you will be assisted to dress and re-united with your family.