Common Conditions

Gallstones: Pre-Operation

You may be required to come into hospital a few days before admission, for any special tests (such as X-rays, blood tests etc) that I or a member of my team have requested. Because the operation is undertaken with a General Anaesthetic (i.e. you are asleep during the procedure) you will need to have starved (no fluids or solids) for at least 6 hours before the operation.

On admission to the ward you will have your details checked and have some basic tests done, such as pulse, temperature, blood pressure and urine examination. You will be asked to hand in any medicines or drugs you may be taking, so that your drug treatment in hospital will be correct. Please tell the nurses of any allergies to drugs or dressings. You may be required to shave the operative site before surgery. It is best if this is done a few hours before the operation.

I, or a member of my team, will check that all the necessary preparations have been made. You will be asked to sign a consent form. The form signifies that you know and understand why the operation is required and what it involves. The anaesthetist who will be giving your anaesthetic will also interview and examine you. He/she will be especially interested in chest troubles, dental treatment and any previous anaesthetics you have had, plus any anaesthetic problems in the family.

The timing of your operation is usually arranged the day before. The nurses will tell you when to expect to go to the operating theatre. Do not be surprised, however, if there are changes to the exact timing. The order of the list is usually on the basis of medical priority. Just because you are not 'first' on the list does not mean that you are unimportant.

You will be taken on a trolley to the operating suite by a ward nurse and a theatre porter. There will be several checks on your details on the way to the anaesthetic room.