Before your operation

Your surgeon and anaesthetist are responsible for your well-being during and after your surgery|. They must be sure that you are fit enough to undergo the operation. You may have blood tests and other tests, such as a chest x-ray and an ECG (electrocardiogram), to assess your lungs and heart. Your kidney function may also be checked with blood tests if you are likely to have a long operation, as this may put strain a on the kidneys.

If you are having major surgery you will usually be asked to attend a pre-operative outpatient clinic before your surgery. During this appointment you will be seen by either a nurse or an anaesthetist. They will assess your health and arrange for you to have the tests you need before your operation. All of these tests are usually carried out on the day of your pre-operative clinic appointment.

If you are not considered to be fit enough for a general anaesthetic, it may still be possible for you to have surgery. Some operations can be done using a local anaesthetic or more specialised techniques, such as an epidural or spinal anaesthetic. With these techniques, you may be awake during the operation, but you won't feel any pain.