Plastics trauma information prior to surgery

Fasting and admission instructions for trauma surgery

Following your appointment today with the plastic surgery team you have been added to our plastics trauma stream. We do not give you a date for surgery due to the unpredictable nature of trauma. We will now prioritize your surgery based on your injury, this will be overseen by one of our plastics trauma consultants. We understand it can be frustrating waiting for surgery and if you would like any update or further information please do not hesitate to contact the plastics trauma nurse on 07596 043803.

Admission time

Please be aware that your admission time is not the time of your surgery. Please be prepared to be on the unit for the entire day. You may experience some delays in your surgery due to the unpredictable nature of trauma. If your operation is postponed, we will ensure that you get listed for your surgery at the soonest opportunity

available. We understand that waiting for surgery can be an anxious time and we will try to keep you informed as to when your operation will be.

Smoking

We strongly recommend you do not smoke before surgery as this can lead to significant problems such as poor wound healing and infection.

General anaesthetic

No smoking, illicit drugs or alcohol are permitted 24hrs prior to surgery

Take your medications as you normally would, including antibiotics (unless otherwise told), with sips of water only. If you are on any diabetic or anticoagulation (blood thinning) medication please make staff aware as soon as possible.

It is very important that you follow these instructions about when to stop eating and drinking (fasting) or your operation may delayed. Fasting helps to prevent inhaling (breathing in) stomach contents into the lungs while unconscious.

Your starving time will depend on your position on the theatre list. This will be given to you by the plastics trauma nurse the evening prior to your surgery. Please keep your telephone on hand in order for us to update you with these details.

We strongly recommend that you drink plenty of clear fluids before 06:00 hrs to prevent you becoming dehydrated (unless otherwise told). On discharge you will require a responsible adult to drive you home and be with you for 24 hrs, this is to ensure your safety.

Local anaesthetic

For local anaesthetic procedures, you may eat and drink normally as there are no fasting requirements and this will not involve you being anaesthetised (put to sleep). Please be aware you cannot drive home following your surgery.

Contacts/further information

If you have any queries regarding your surgery, please contact:

The Plastic Surgery Unit: 01223 348509 or 01223 348507