If you have any health problems and on any medications, you should let the hospital and anaesthetist know.
In particular, diseases which may affect the surgery/anaesthetic include
- heart disease
- lung disease including emphysema, asthma, sleep apnoea
- diabetes
Medications that will affect surgery include
- diabetes medications: tablets or insulin
- blood thinning medications: warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, pradaxa
Q: Why do I need to fast for my operation?
Generally you have to fast for at least 6 hours prior to having a general anaesthetic. This is to prevent regurgitation of food during the anaesthesic which may go into your lungs and cause infection.
Q: But I’m having my operation under local anaesthetic. Why do I need to fast?
We have to prepare you just in case we need to revert to a general anaesthetic.