Preparing for your Appointment for Local Anaesthetic

This leaflet explains how you should prepare for your local anaesthetic and what to expect on the day of your procedure.

Preparation

• It is not necessary to starve before having a local anaesthetic; please have a light meal before coming to hospital.
• If you are a diabetic, please follow your normal routine regarding medication and food.
• You may bring a dressing gown and slippers.
• Make-up and nail varnish need to be removed before your appointment. Please leave all jewellery and body piercing at home.
• Please do not bring large sums of money.
• Please bring any medication such as GTN spray and inhalers with you.
• Please make sure you have a supply of paracetamol and ibuprofen tablets at home.

What will happen on the day?

• When you arrive, you will meet the nurse who will check all of your details.
• If you require a medical certificate please inform the nurse on arrival.
• Please be aware that your appointment time is not the time of your surgery and a wait will be involved.
• You will meet the surgeon and if you have not already done so, you will be asked to sign a consent form.
• Before your operation you may be asked to change into a gown but this will depend on the operation or procedure you are having.

After your procedure

• Post-operative instructions will be given to you before you leave the unit.
• Arrangements for any follow-up treatment or appointment will be made before you leave.

Discharge

It may be necessary especially if you have limb surgery for a relative or friend to assist you at home. Patients who have had limb surgery must not drive themselves.

If you experience any of the following complications once you are home we recommend that you speak with your GP urgently:

• Uncontrolled pain, feeling faint or dizzy
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Bleeding, redness, swelling, bruising, discharge or pain from around the wound site.

For less urgent issues call NHS 111 for advice or visit your local minor injuries units at the following locations:

• Call the Princess of Wales Hospital, Ely on 01353 656675.
• Call the Doddington Hospital, Doddington on 01354 637078.
• Call the North Cambs Hospital, Wisbech on 01945 468787.

Questions

If you have any questions please call the day surgery unit on telephone number 01223 256330.