Preparing for anaesthesia
Your pre-anaesthetic assessment, what to tell your anaesthetist and what to do in the weeks before.
Patients
Information for patients
Clear, practical information to help you prepare for an anaesthetic or sedation, know what will happen on the day, and recover well at home.
Before
Getting ready
Fasting
Why fasting matters, what counts as a clear fluid, and general fasting times for adults and children.
Your medicines
Which medicines need a plan, including blood thinners, diabetes medicines and GLP-1 medicines.
Smoking and vaping
Why stopping helps, when to stop, and where to get support.
On the day and after
The day itself and recovery
What to expect on the day
Arriving, meeting your anaesthetist, types of anaesthesia, waking up, and the risks to discuss.
After your anaesthetic
The first 24 hours, common side effects and when to get help.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions patients ask most often.
Understanding your account
Why the anaesthetist bills separately and what to ask before your procedure.
More information
In an emergency, call 000
For health advice at any time, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222. This website and the enquiry form are not monitored for urgent problems.
This information is general and does not replace advice from your treating practitioner.
Contact
Questions before your procedure?
For questions about an upcoming anaesthetic, contact Dr Aly’s rooms. Please do not send medical details through the website.