Before Surgery

How to prepare before surgery

Please read the below information to assist you in preparing for your procedure. If you require further information, please refer to the admission paperwork provided from our office or contact the Practice.

Pre-operative tests

Dr Zachariah may request you have a pre-operative blood test or ECG. An ECG is requested for most people over the age of 70. If applicable, please ensure this is done in a timely manner, usually a week prior to your admission. You would have received the appropriate request forms, as well as informed you of the time frame required for these tests.

Modification to your medications

Blood thinning medications and supplements including Aspirin and Fish oil may need to be stopped a few days before your surgery. This is to prevent excessive bleeding. You may have already been given instructions from our office. If you do not know what to do, please call our office to discuss at least a week in advance. If you are taking fish oil, please cease these 2 weeks prior to surgery.
Certain Diabetic medications need to be stopped / modified one week before any major surgery to avoid a complication called “Ketoacidosis”. If you are on any glucose lowering medications, please discuss at the time of booking your surgery.
If you are on weight reduction medications such as Ozempic, you might need extended fasting time and fluid diet. Please discuss with us at the time of booking the surgery.

Covid Infection

If you had Covid – 19 infection, your surgery may need to be delayed by a few weeks for ensuring safe anaesthesia. Please inform us and discuss the matter.

Body wash and shaving

The hospital may request that you purchase and use a specific body wash the morning of your surgery. Please note we do not recommend use of this body wash due to it being exceptionally harsh on your skin.

If you are having a laparoscopic surgery, give your umbilicus a thorough wash with hot soapy water on the day of surgery.

Shaving the genital hair is not a preoperative requirement and is not recommended. If needed, trimming of the hair is acceptable.

Bowel preparation

Avoid constipation in the days leading up to your operation. If needed take a stool softener/laxative eg. Movicol, Fybogel, Metamucil.
If the surgery is anticipated to be complex you may require special bowel preparation. Dr Zachariah will inform you if this is required.
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