Preparing for Anaesthesia with Confidence

Clear guidance from consultation to recovery, designed to help you feel informed, reassured, and fully prepared for your procedure.

This information is provided as a resource for patients referred to Dr. Singh via their surgeon or GP. To make a referral, please use our professional enquiry form.

What to Expect Before Your Anaesthetic

Your pre-operative assessment focuses on safety, individual risk, and planning. Dr. Singh will review your medical history, investigations, allergies, previous anaesthetic experiences, and current medications. This consultation also provides time to discuss concerns, expected recovery, and the most appropriate anaesthetic approach for your procedure.

On the Day of Your Procedure

On arrival, final checks are completed and your monitoring plan is confirmed. In theatre, your anaesthesia is delivered with continuous specialist monitoring of heart, blood pressure, oxygenation, ventilation, and haemodynamic status. Care is coordinated closely with your surgical and nursing teams throughout.

Recovery and Aftercare

Following surgery, recovery priorities include comfort, haemodynamic stability, and early detection of any complications. You will receive an individualised plan for pain and nausea control, as well as advice on mobilisation and discharge. Ongoing support is available if you have concerns after your procedure.

How to Prepare: Fasting Guidelines and Medications

Your personalised instructions always take precedence, but the following principles are commonly used:

  • Do not eat solid food for six hours before anaesthesia.
  • Clear fluids may be taken up to two hours before admission, unless advised otherwise.
  • Continue routine medicines unless your consultant provides a specific stop or dose-adjustment instruction.
  • Bring an up-to-date medication list, including supplements and anticoagulants.

FAQ

Answers to common questions from private cardiothoracic surgery patients.

Yes. A full pre-operative review is completed before your procedure so your medical history, investigations, and anaesthetic plan can be discussed in detail.