 Having surgery – what to expect

Having surgery? Find out what happens at each stage, from your first consultation to caring for yourself afterwards.

Seeing a specialist

What to do before surgery

What to expect on the day

What happens after surgery?

The idea of having surgery can be scary. But knowing what to expect before, during, and after the operation – as well as what questions to ask at each stage of the process – can help you feel prepared and ease any worries. 


If you’re told you need surgery – also known as an operation – you may feel scared or worried. 

In fact, research suggests that up to 80% of people feel anxiety before having surgery. 

But these procedures are very common. Each year, more than 300 million are done worldwide. 

Surgeries are done using 1 of the following medications:

- __local anesthetic__ – when you stay awake, but the part of your body being operated on is numbed so you won’t feel pain
- __general anesthetic__ – when you’re asleep (unconscious), so you’re not aware of what’s happening and won’t feel pain.

In some cases, you’ll have the surgery and go home on the same day (day patient). In others, you’ll have to stay in hospital for at least 1 night and sometimes longer (inpatient).

Let’s take a closer look at what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

## Seeing a specialist

Before surgery is considered, your doctor will refer you to a specialist. They will tell you about the treatment options for your condition and discuss whether surgery is the best option for you. To help them make a decision, they may order tests.

It’s a good idea to ask questions at this stage, so you understand what’s happening and feel comfortable with any decisions. 

Your questions might include:

- what options do I have other than surgery?
- what are the benefits and risks of the other treatments?
- how effective is surgery – what will ‘successful’ surgery look like for me? 
- what are the benefits and risks of surgery?
- will my condition get worse if I decide not to have surgery?
- where will the surgery be done?
- what anesthetic will I have?
- who will do the surgery?
- will I need to stay in hospital afterwards?
- what will the recovery be like?

If you and your specialist decide surgery is the best treatment for you, you may be given consent forms to read and sign at this stage.

Your specialist may also advise about whether you need to start (or stop) taking any medications beforehand.

Get help with this

## What to do before surgery

In the days and weeks leading up to surgery, it’s a good idea to make some preparations for the procedure and your recovery. 

Tell your family and friends about the surgery, and ask someone to go with you to the hospital, if necessary. You’ll also need to plan how you’ll get home afterwards, as you won’t be allowed to drive. 

If you get a cold, flu, or other new symptoms in the days leading up to your surgery, tell your surgeon as soon as possible. They’ll be able to tell you if it’s OK to go ahead with your procedure. 

It may be frustrating if it has to be delayed, but it’s important to be as healthy as possible before surgery. 

### Having a pre-operative assessment

A few days before your surgery, you’ll meet your nurse or surgeon for a pre-operative assessment. They’ll ask about your health and medical history, and do a physical exam.

You should bring a list of any medicines you take, so these can be reviewed and they can advise on anything you need to do differently before the surgery.

You may have tests to check you don’t have an infection, or other health concerns that could affect your surgery. These can include:

- blood test
- pee (urine) test
- pregnancy test
- electrocardiogram (ECG) – to look at the activity of your heart
- X-ray
- lung function test.

You may also be asked to complete and sign any final consent forms.

You should be told when to stop eating and drinking before your surgery. It’s very important to follow this advice, as you need to have an empty stomach if you’re having general anesthetic. This is to prevent nausea and also to stop food or liquid from getting into the lungs.

### Packing for your hospital stay

If you’ll need to stay in the hospital after surgery, pack a bag with clothing and hygiene essentials, along with items to keep you entertained. 

You might want to take:

- nightwear
- clean underwear and socks
- clothes for the daytime/leaving the hospital
- slippers
- earplugs and eye mask
- toiletries – such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and soap
- flannel or small towel
- hairbrush/comb
- period products
- tissues
- phone and phone charger, tablet or laptop
- headphones
- books and magazines 
- healthy snacks.

There are some things you’ll need to remove or not use just before surgery, including:

- nail polish
- piercings and jewelry
- deodorant
- body or hand creams
- perfume
- make-up
- hairspray 
- contact lenses
- hearing aid
- dentures.

Some of these may increase the risk of bacteria spreading, while others can make it more difficult to monitor you during and after the surgery.

## What to expect on the day

Your doctor or nurse will tell you in advance when you need to arrive at the hospital, and where to go.

When you arrive, you’ll be given a gown to wear, along with an identification bracelet. You’ll also be asked to confirm details about your medical history, and any allergies you have, or medications you’re taking.

You’ll meet the nurses, doctors, and surgeon taking care of you, and you’ll be able to ask any questions. You’ll also meet your anesthetist, who will tell you more about the anesthetic you’re having, and what to expect.

Just before surgery, your nurse will check your blood pressure and heart rate, and may put an intravenous (IV) drip into a vein in your hand, to give you fluids and medicine. Your anesthetist will then return to give you your anesthetic. When you’re ready, you’ll be taken into the operating room.  

## What happens after surgery?

Once your surgery is finished, you’ll be moved into a post-op ward or recovery room. Your dressings and vital signs (such as pulse and blood pressure) will be regularly checked.

Once you’re fully awake (if you had general anesthetic), your surgeon or nurse will come to tell you how your surgery went. You may have questions, such as:

- was the surgery a success?
- were there any complications?
- when will I start to feel better?

Let your nurse know if you’re in pain, or feel nauseous, or like you’re going to vomit. They can usually give you medications to help ease symptoms. 

If you’re a day patient, you may only have to wait a few hours before you can go home. If you’re an inpatient, you may have to stay in the hospital for several days (or longer), depending on the type of surgery and your health.  

### Going back to your usual activities

Your team will tell you when it’s OK to eat and drink, which depends on the type of surgery you’ve had. For example, if you’ve had surgery on your stomach, you’ll only be allowed to have liquids and soft foods for a while, before you can gradually begin eating normally again. 

While rest is important after surgery, gentle movement can help prevent complications, such as blood clots. A short walk around your room or ward is usually recommended as soon as you feel able. Your nurse or a physical therapist can help you if you need it.

Before you leave the hospital, your nurse or surgeon will tell you how to care for your wound to help with healing, and reduce the risk of infection. They’ll also advise on medication, such as pain relief, and follow-up appointments.

You can also check with them about when to get back to doing everyday activities, such as driving and exercising. 

It’s a good idea to make a note of a number you can call if you have any questions, and if there are any symptoms that would need medical advice – such as fever, bleeding, or pus.

Don’t forget that you won’t be able to drive yourself home after surgery. Have a friend or family member collect you in their car, or go with you on public transport or in a taxi.

### Looking after yourself at home

It’s very common to feel tired in the days and weeks after surgery, as your body heals and recovers – especially if you’ve had major surgery.

To help your recovery, you should:

- take any medications as advised by your medical team
- only shower or bathe once you’re told it’s OK to do so
- follow instructions on keeping your wound and stitches clean
- rest when you feel tired and get plenty of sleep – take naps if you need to
- move carefully and avoid lifting anything heavy
- keep active, but build up slowly as you start to feel less tired
- follow any advice about eating and drinking
- don’t drive until your doctor says it’s safe to
- phase your return to work, if you need to
- reduce your risk of blood clots – by wearing compression stockings or taking prescribed blood thinners
- keep a lookout for signs of a blood clot. Get medical advice right away if you have any of the following 7 symptoms:
1. leg, ankle, or foot swelling – that’s not related to your surgery
2. leg pain 
3. changes to the skin color of your leg – such as redness
4. a leg that feels hot to touch
5. coughing
6. shortness of breath
7. chest pain.


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References

Chantelle Pattemore

Susie Parker

Dr Emily Blount

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