Pre-Operative FAQs

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Pre-Operative Assessment – Frequently Asked Questions

  • What happens if you find that I have MRSA?

    You will receive a letter or a telephone call from us and we will make arrangements to see you in the Pre-op Assessment clinic to give you some treatment before coming in for your operation.

  • What happens if something is wrong with my blood samples?

    It depends on what the result shows and sometimes further tests or treatment is needed before you can have your surgery. The Nurses will let you know and will contact an anaesthetist and your consultant.

  • What happens if my surgery is postponed?

    You may be booked an appointment for a short phone call with an assessing nurse to check and update your assessment details, you may also be asked to come back for a blood test or the MRSA test to be repeated.

  • What happens if I need a test called an Electrocardiogram (ECG)?

    This is a special heart test that can be carried out within the Pre-Assessment clinic. If it is requested then the test has to be carried out before you can have your operation.

  • What happens if there is something wrong with the Electrocardiogram (ECG)?

    One of the specialist nurses in the Pre-operative Assessment Service will contact you to let you know if there is a problem and will tell you what the next step will be. This may mean that you will need to be seen by one of the consultant cardiology doctors who specialise in heart problems.

  • What if I need to see an Anaesthetist before my name goes on the waiting list?

    Your consultant will write to the consultant anaesthetist and you will be seen in the Pre-operative Assessment by them. It usually takes a few weeks to organise the appointment and they may request tests to be carried out before making a final decision. If they agree to carry out your anaesthetic you will still require a Pre-operative Assessment.

  • What is Cardiopulmonary exercise testing?
    Cardiopulmonary exercise testing, often abbreviated as CPEX, is now the 'gold standard' objective tool for the evaluation of cardiopulmonary function and fitness. It is a non-invasive and objective method of assessing exercise capacity or fitness and looks at the heart, lungs, blood vessels and muscle systems. If you are having the test as part of your pre-operative assessment visit you will then have the results and their meaning discussed with you by the anaesthetic doctor in clinic
  • How will I be assessed before my surgery?
    • Usually you will complete an online health questionnaire called Synopsis iQ before your operation.
    • Details on accessing this questionnaire will be provided at the surgeons clinic or will be sent to your closer to the time of surgery
    • The Pre-operative nurse will use your questionnaire to decide if you need a more detailed discussion about your health. This discussion could be with a nurse or anaesthetist.
    • If you need a more detailed discussion this can usually be done over the phone, occasionally you will be asked to attend hospital.
    • Most people require some routine bloods and a heart tracing to be done before surgery.
    • You will be screened for important infections including MRSA and CPE (only if you have been in another hospital within the last 12 months)
  • I’ve seen the Consultant and the pre-op was done in that appointment. Do I need another?

    The consultant may undertake some tests and observations during your Outpatient Appointment with them but this is not a formal Pre-Op assessment which is required before your procedure.

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