What are the objectives of your visit?
You will receive an appointment at the clinic based on some medical criteria. The appointment is intended to ensure that you are prepared for the surgery in terms of your medical, emotional and administrative needs, provide guidelines and information and give you an opportunity to ask questions.
The duration of the visit is about two hours, but it may last longer. Please plan accordingly.
What can you expect from your visit at the pre-op clinic?
1. The nursing staff will perform the nursing reception, including, among other things, an examination of nursing and medical vitals and other metrics and an overview of your medical history.
2. The staff will provide you with some guidance in preparation for your surgery.
3. You will meet with the anesthesiologist to asses your anesthetic needs.
Your meeting with the anesthesiologist
Assessing the anesthesia pre-op is a crucial step in order to ensure a safe and risk-free anesthetic process.
Your meeting with the anesthesiologist allows him/her to conduct:
• An evaluation of the patient and his/her medical problems, specifically any problems that might have come up during previous times the patient was under anesthesia.
• A physical examination to detect any potential complications during tracheal intubation.
• Assessment and establishing of the level of anesthetic risk, if any.
• Determining whether additional medical attention is necessary, and/or a possible adjustment of medication.
The anesthesiologist will elaborate about risks and advantages of each type of anesthesia relevant for the planned surgery, and present the patient with the anesthesia plan he/she has formulated, including post-op pain relief.
The patient will sign a consent form authorizing anesthesia and blood transfusion.
The more you know - the more you can relax
The visit at the pre-op clinic is a great opportunity for you to find out everything you need to know, and ask to hear more about issues which are important for you. Since you may very well be anxious or confused, it is advisable to prepare a list of questions you would like to address ahead of time, so you are prepared for the meeting.
Sample questions:
1. How should I prepare for the operation?
2. How long does the anesthesia last? What are some side effects?
3. When will I meet the surgeon and the anesthesiologist on the day of the operation?
4. What are some possible complications of anesthesia?
5. When will my family be notified about how the surgery is going?
6. Will I suffer any pains post-op? What is the pain relief protocol in Raphael?
Which documents should I bring to the pre-op Clinic?
To make the most out of your visit at the pre-op clinic, and to guarantee that the surgery can be held at the designated date, the doctor will need the following documents:
Please note that without the required documents, the anesthesiologist will not be able to confirm the anesthesia and the operation.
• Financial obligation for the surgical procedure
• A letter from your family doctor detailing the type of surgery, addressing background diseases, diagnoses, regular medication, allergies.
• Pre-op tests: blood (blood count, complete chemistry, coagulation functions), urine (general urine culture - mandatory in urological / gynecological / orthopedic surgeries, knee, hip and back surgeries), chest X-ray (for patients over 60), ECG (for patients over the age of 40), MRSA nose swab - for patients due for joint / spine replacement surgery.
• Oncology patients are required to bring a written permission for the surgery from their oncologist.
• Patients suffering from heart conditions or any other cardiology-related issues, those who have a pacemaker, or have just undergone open heart surgery - must bring written permission from their cardiologist.
• Patients with obstructive pulmonary disease are required to bring an up-to-date lung function test, as well as a letter from a pulmonologist authorizing surgery under full anesthesia.
• Patients who have a healthcare proxy or a legal guardian are required by law to arrive with a written court-issued power of attorney, as well as with the guardian or proxy him/herself.
We are available to answer any question and to provide additional information. Service and Information Center office hours: Sunday-Thursday 8:00-16:30 / Telephone: 03-3768960 You can also fill in your details in the Contact Form on the website and our representatives will get back to you as soon as possible.