How to Prepare for Your Laparoscopic Surgery

Your surgery date is set. The countdown is for prep. Patients follow this list. They do it often. Admission goes smoother. There are fewer delays. Some items may vary. They may differ. Your team has instructions. Follow their instructions.

One to Two Weeks Before

• Pre-anaesthesia check-up: blood tests, ECG and a fitness review with the anaesthesia team — often done the same day as your surgical consult.
• Medicines conversation: show the full list — blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, newer anticoagulants), diabetes tablets/insulin, blood-pressure drugs, weight-loss and herbal supplements. Some need pausing days ahead; that decision is made by your doctors, never by you.
• Smoking and alcohol: stopping smoking even 1–2 weeks before surgery improves lung and wound healing.
• Cough, fever or infection: tell the hospital — surgery may be re-timed for safety.
• Paperwork: insurance pre-authorisation/cashless approval, ID, and any advance payment discussed.
• Home planning: stock easy-cook food, arrange help for children/elders, and plan the first week at low activity.

The Day Before

• Re-confirm your admission time and fasting window (in writing if unsure).
• Eat a normal dinner; follow the fasting instruction from the stated time — commonly no solid food for 6–8 hours and clear water only until 2 hours before anaesthesia.
• Skip lotions, nail polish and jewellery on surgery day; remove contacts and dentures at admission.
• Shower in the morning; wear loose, front-open clothing.

What to Pack

How Surgery Day Flows

You will be admitted. Nurses will check you. You get a wristband. It helps identify you. The anaesthetist checks you last. Wait in the waiting area. Your escort stays with you. Go to the operating theatre. Procedure time varies. Gallbladder or appendix takes 30 minutes. Complex repairs take longer. Go to the recovery room. Stay there until awake. Go back to your room. Sip water first. Then eat a light meal. Walk with help today. Get a discharge briefing. You will get written instructions. Most day-care patients leave. They go home same evening. See our day-care surgery page. It explains discharge-after-lunch model.

Guides help after you leave. They show what is normal. They show what helps. They show when to call. Ask questions before surgery. Call 87478 74666. The team answers questions. They answer many small ones. They do not want worry. Do not go worried.