The day before surgery:
No change from your normal schedule. Eat and drink as normal, and continue to take usual medications, including aspirin.
Useful things to bring to hospital:
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Ongoing medication
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Slippers, dressing gown, nightwear
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Loose, comfortable clothes for the return home
The day of surgery:
Depending on the time of surgery you will be advised not to eat for six hours prior to the anaesthetic but you can drink clear fluids (e.g. water, black tea/coffee, herbal tea) up to two hours prior to surgery.
During the course of the operation the anaesthetist will administer pain relief and anti-sickness medicines to minimise the side-effects of the anaesthetic. When the operation is complete you will be transferred to the recovery area.
After you wake up from the anaesthetic, approximately two hours after the operation, nursing staff will be on hand to offer you pain relief if necessary. You may feel a little drowsy but you will be able to sit up in bed. When you are fully awake and comfortable you will be transferred to the ward.
After admission to the ward you will be given drinks and a meal, and will be gently encouraged to stand and walk around. Within a few hours of surgery you should be comfortable and after assessment by the ward staff you will be fit for discharge from hospital.
Leaving hospital:
Upon leaving hospital you will have been provided with painkillers, and it is advisable that you take these regularly for the first 72 hours before allowing pain to develop. You will not be able to drive and should therefore make arrangements to be picked up.
When you get home you should keep moderately active, walk regularly, and eat and drink as normal. Before starting to drive again it is advisable to check with you local doctor or specialist and confirm cover with your insurance company.
One of the benefits of keyhole surgery is that recovery is normally swift and patients generally return to normal activity levels 7-10 days after surgery. Strenuous activities are normally safe within a month.
Follow up:
Depending on your case, your surgeon will decide whether follow up is necessary.