Before your procedure, your anaesthetist reviews your health, medicines and previous anaesthetics, explains your options and answers your questions. You can help by having your information ready, following the fasting and medicine instructions you are given, and arranging an adult to take you home.
Your pre-anaesthetic assessment
Every planned anaesthetic starts with an assessment. Australian guidance from the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) expects your anaesthetist to review your health before your procedure, so they can plan an anaesthetic that suits you.
A phone call before your treatment. For planned procedures, Dr Aly usually phones you for a pre-anaesthetic consultation about 24 to 48 hours beforehand. The call is a chance to go through your health and medicines, confirm your fasting instructions, explain what will happen and answer your questions. Please keep your phone nearby, and have your list of medicines ready. If you have not heard from the rooms by the day before your procedure, or you miss the call, phone 0411 965 272. You will also meet Dr Aly in person on the day, before anything starts.
Your anaesthetist will usually ask about:
- your general health, and any heart, lung, kidney, liver or nerve conditions
- previous anaesthetics, and any problems you or a blood relative have had with anaesthesia
- all the medicines you take, including vitamins and herbal products
- allergies and what happened when you reacted
- snoring, sleep apnoea or daytime sleepiness
- loose, chipped or capped teeth, dentures or jaw problems
- smoking, vaping, alcohol and other drugs
- whether you could be pregnant.
They may also check your heart and lungs, look at your mouth and neck, or arrange tests such as blood tests or a heart tracing (ECG).
Have this information ready
- A list of all your medicines, with doses (or bring them in their packets)
- Details of any allergies and the reaction you had
- The names of your GP and any specialists you see
- Letters or results from recent tests, if you have them
- Any problems with previous anaesthetics, for you or your family
- Your questions, written down
Questions you may want to ask
Write your questions down before the phone call or your appointment. These are a good place to start:
- What type of anaesthetic or sedation do you recommend for me, and why? What are the other options?
- Will I be asleep, or drowsy and able to respond?
- Do any of my health conditions change the plan or the risks?
- What are the common side effects, and how are they treated?
- How will my pain be managed during and after the procedure?
- When should I stop eating and drinking, and which medicines should I take on the day?
- When can I go home, and when can I drive, work or look after children again?
- Who do I contact if I have a question about my anaesthetic afterwards?
Agreeing to your anaesthetic
Your anaesthetist will explain the type of anaesthetic or sedation they recommend, the alternatives, and the risks that are relevant to you. You should also receive information about the anaesthetic fee before a planned procedure (read understanding your account). You can ask questions, take time to think, and change your mind.
If English is not your first language, ask for a professional interpreter when your procedure is booked. Dr Aly speaks English and Arabic.
In the weeks before
- Stop smoking and vaping as early as you can. Read smoking, vaping and anaesthesia.
- Ask whether any of your medicines need to change. Read the medicines guide.
- Keep your usual conditions, such as diabetes, asthma or blood pressure, as well controlled as possible, with help from your GP.
- Stay as active as your health allows.
- Arrange a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you for the first night.
The day before
- Check your fasting times and write them down. Read fasting before anaesthesia.
- Check which medicines to take on the day, and which to leave out.
- Pack your medicines, glasses, hearing aids, any CPAP machine and a phone charger.
- Remove nail polish or acrylic nails if your hospital asks you to. Leave jewellery and valuables at home.
- Confirm your arrival time and how you will get home.
If you become unwell before your procedure
If you develop a cough, cold, fever, vomiting or diarrhoea in the days before your procedure, phone the hospital, dental practice or your surgeon’s rooms before you travel. An infection can increase the risk of breathing problems during an anaesthetic, and it is sometimes safer to postpone.
On the day
Bring your list of medicines and any paperwork you have been given. You will be asked the same questions several times, such as your name, your procedure and when you last ate. This repetition is a safety check. Read what to expect on the day.
Sources
- ANZCA. PG07 Guideline on pre-anaesthesia consultation and patient preparation (2024; Appendix 1, Fasting, revised June 2026). June 2024; Appendix 1 June 2026.
- ANZCA. Preparing for your operation. Accessed 2 Nov 2026.
- ANZCA. PS26(A) Position statement on informed consent for anaesthesia or sedation. Apr 2021.
- healthdirect Australia. General anaesthetic. Last reviewed Dec 2025.
- ANZCA. Fasting before your surgery. Page modified 26 Oct 2026.
- Written by
- Altitude Creative, health content team, on behalf of Dr Walid Aly
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In an emergency, call 000. This information is general and does not replace advice from your treating practitioner.