Preoperative assessment: preparing safely

What the assessment covers

Preoperative assessment identifies health issues that may need attention before surgery and helps plan care during recovery. Tell the team about heart or lung disease, diabetes, snoring or sleep apnoea, allergies, previous anaesthetic problems and relevant family reactions. Mention any possibility of pregnancy.

What to bring

Prepare a list of prescription medicines, nonprescription products, vitamins and herbal supplements, including blood thinners and diabetes treatments. Bring available test results. Do not stop medicines or start supplements independently. Blood tests, an ECG or other investigations depend on your health, operation and planned anaesthetic; everyone does not need the same tests.

Before the operation

Ask for written instructions about eating, drinking, medicines and arrival time. Do not copy another person's fasting instructions, because individual plans differ. Tell the team about fever, a new cough or other health changes, and contact them if you cannot follow the preparation instructions. Arrange transport home and support after discharge as advised. Ask who to contact if instructions are unclear. Good preparation can reduce risks, but cannot remove every risk associated with an operation.

Safety note

This is general educational information, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan, and it does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Needs vary; seek urgent care for warning signs rather than delaying for online advice.