Most preparation for ENT surgery is straightforward. The notes below cover medications, fasting, what to bring, and the day-of-surgery routine. If anything’s unclear, please call us before your admission date so it doesn’t get in the way on the day.
Regular medications
In most cases your regular medications can continue right up to and including the morning of surgery. There are two important exceptions:
Medications that increase bleeding risk
These usually need to stop 7 to 10 days before surgery. Don’t stop them on your own — Dr Padhye will confirm the timing with you and may speak to your GP or cardiologist first. These medications include:
- Aspirin and aspirin-containing products (Cartia, Astrix, Cardiprin and similar). Many cold and flu preparations also contain aspirin, so check before taking them.
- Anti-inflammatories (Nurofen, Brufen, Voltaren, Naprogesic and similar).
- Anticoagulants (Warfarin, Plavix, Clopidogrel, Pradaxa and similar).
Diabetes medications
Several newer diabetes medications — including some weekly injectables (e.g. semaglutide / Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity) — need careful management around general anaesthesia. Please tell us if you’re taking anything for diabetes so we can plan with your anaesthetist.
Pain relief in the lead-up to surgery
If you need pain relief in the days before surgery, use paracetamol (Panadol) or Panadeine only. Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatories — they increase the risk of bleeding during and after the procedure.
Herbal and naturopathic preparations
Herbal and naturopathic preparations can reduce the body’s ability to form clots, which can cause a higher risk of bleeding. Fish oil is a common example, but it’s not the only one. The effect is unpredictable, so please stop all herbal and naturopathic preparations 10 days before surgery.
Fasting
Standard fasting times for general anaesthesia are:
- No food for six hours before surgery.
- Clear fluids only (water, clear apple juice, black tea or coffee with no milk) up to two hours before surgery.
- The hospital will confirm exact times when they call you the day before.
For children, fasting times may be slightly different — the anaesthetist or hospital will give you specific advice.
What to bring to hospital
- Your regular medications, in their original packaging.
- Your Medicare card and private health insurance details.
- Personal items — toiletries, pyjamas, dressing gown, slippers.
- A book, headphones or anything else to pass the time.
- For children: a favourite toy, blanket or comfort item.
Leave valuables at home where possible.
Getting home and the first 24 hours
You’ll need a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery, and ideally to stay with you for the first 24 hours. You should not drive, operate machinery, make important decisions or sign legal documents for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic.
The day of surgery
The hospital will call you the day before to confirm your admission time, fasting requirements and where to go. On the day, give yourself plenty of time for parking and admissions paperwork. Dr Padhye will see you before surgery to answer any last-minute questions and walk you through what to expect.
Have a question before your admission?
Call or message the practice on 08 8362 5255 and we’ll talk you through anything you’re unsure about.
