Before and after surgery

Preparing for surgery

These are general rules for day-surgery general and spinal anaesthesia. You will also receive personal instructions in your consultation.

6 h

Food

Your last meal no later than 6 hours before surgery.

2 h

Water, clear juice, tea or coffee without milk are allowed up to 2 hours before surgery.

Come in good health, without signs of a cold. If you fall ill before surgery, please let the doctor know.
Wear comfortable, clean clothes and shoes.
Do not wear make-up or perfume, and remove all jewellery.
Remove chewing gum and sweets from your mouth before surgery.
Remove dentures and contact lenses before surgery and leave them in your ward.
If you take blood thinners, do not stop them yourself. Mark them in the questionnaire and the doctor will tell you whether and when to stop.
Arrange transport or someone to accompany you home.

Do not drive.
Do not go home without someone to accompany you.
Do not use electrical or mechanical tools that could injure you.
Do not drink alcohol.
Do not make important decisions until your attention, thinking and judgement have fully recovered.

If the doctor has given you different instructions, follow those.