We want to try and ensure you are as fit and healthy as possible prior to undergoing surgery – you have a big role in making this happen.
Even small changes to your lifestyle can help reduce the risks of surgery.
Our information reflects that of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, and is endorsed by the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Royal College of Surgeons.
Please click the links below for more information:
We also have some guidance and advice on the following areas:
- Diabetes
- Mental Wellbeing
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Physical fitness
Diabetes
We will give you advice on the management of your diabetic medications including insulin for the day of your operation. We will take a blood test (HbA1c) to assess your blood sugar control over the last couple of months.
It is important to try and maintain good blood sugar control in the lead up to surgery as this can help reduce your risk of complications such as infections and poor wound healing.
If we recognise this is a problem, we may liaise with you and your GP to try and improve your blood sugar management before a planned procedure.
Mental wellbeing
Having an operation can be a very stressful time.
There are resources available on the NHS website giving guidance on steps you can take to support and improve your mental health and wellbeing.
Stop smoking
Smoking tobacco increases your risks of complications if you are undergoing surgery.
It reduces your body’s ability to transport oxygen at a time when you need it most and is linked to increased breathing and heart problems after an operation. It also affects wound healing.
- We know if you smoke you are more likely to incur a complication and spend longer in hospital.
- We know it is difficult to stop smoking – you are 4 times more likely to quit with help than if you try it on your own.
The use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (inhalators, gum, patches), or other medications can improve your chances of quitting long term.
We can refer you to smoking cessation support.
The following links are also available to help you quit offering free support and advice.
You may want to consider E-cigarettes or vaping. Although not as good as quitting completely, these alternatives to smoking are much safer than cigarettes.
Please remember that the RVI is a smoke-free area.
Alcohol
The Department of Health advises that both men and women consume less than 14 units per week, avoid binge drinking (aiming not to drink over 4 units in any one episode) and to have several alcohol free days in a week.
Alcohol can harm your health in many ways but if you regularly drink excessively, it may be that your body becomes dependent on alcohol, and we need to be prepared for that to prevent withdrawal symptoms from occurring after your operation when you are in hospital.
If we recognise this at your Pre-Assessment Clinic visit, we will discuss with you how we can support you cutting down prior to your surgery to reduce your risk of this and other complications occurring.
For longer-term help with excess alcohol intake or reducing alcohol please see your GP or you may find one of the following links helpful:
Please do not consume any alcohol in the 24 hours before and 24 hours following surgery.
Physical fitness / Exercise
Exercise improves wellbeing, mental and physical health and can prepare your body for surgery and recovery when your heart and lungs will have to work harder.
Cardiovascular exercises (brisk walking, swimming, running, cycling) will improve overall heart, blood vessel and lung function, as well as improving muscle strength and aiding weight loss.
Aim for at least 3 periods of exercise for 30 mins per week, ideally to the point where you feel slightly out of breath and sweaty.
Useful resources to help
Using a step counter can be a useful way of monitoring your level of activity during the day. Most smartphones can record this already.
Why don’t you download the NHS Active 10 app? It counts your steps and gives goals to improve your fitness.
