Before surgery
What Happens at a Pre-Op Appointment
A pre-op appointment (also called a pre-anaesthetic assessment) is a check-up before your surgery to make sure you're ready and safe. It's usually relaxed, takes about 30–60 minutes, and is your chance to ask anything. Here's what they'll do.
The short version
What they'll do
The appointment is a thorough but friendly check-up. You can expect them to:
- Take your full medical history — past illnesses, operations and how you got on with any previous anaesthetics.
- Review all your medicines and tell you which to take, hold or stop before surgery.
- Check your allergies.
- Do a brief examination — heart, lungs, and a look at your airway and mouth.
- Measure your height, weight and blood pressure.
- Arrange any tests you need — bloods, an ECG, or MRSA swabs — based on your health and the operation.
- Explain your fasting and arrival instructions.
- Discuss your anaesthetic options and risks and answer your questions — and they may begin the consent conversation.
What to bring
| Bring this | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| A written list of all your medicines, with doses | So nothing is missed — include inhalers, patches, supplements and over-the-counter items |
| Any recent letters or test results | Saves repeating tests and speeds things up |
| Glasses or hearing aids, if you use them | So you don't miss anything important |
| A written list of your questions | It's easy to forget them on the day — write them down beforehand |
Why the medicines review matters
Going through your medicines is one of the most important parts of the visit. Some need to continue right up to surgery, some should be paused, and a few must be stopped well in advance. You'll be given clear instructions — write them down, and don't be shy about asking them to repeat anything. It helps to arrive ready to mention everything you take; our checklist of what to tell your anaesthesiologist covers the things people most often forget.
Important
It's your chance to ask
This appointment exists partly to reassure you. If you're nervous, or unsure about the anaesthetic, say so — they expect questions and there's no such thing as a silly one. Not sure what to ask? Start with our list of questions to ask before surgery.
Frequently asked questions
What happens at a pre-op appointment?
A pre-op nurse, and sometimes an anaesthetist, takes your full medical history, reviews all your medicines and allergies, does a brief exam (heart, lungs and airway), and measures your height, weight and blood pressure. They arrange any tests you need, explain your fasting and arrival instructions, discuss anaesthetic options and risks, and answer your questions. It usually takes 30–60 minutes.
When does the pre-op assessment happen?
Usually days to a few weeks before your surgery. It may be done in person at the hospital or clinic, or sometimes by phone, depending on your health and the type of operation.
What should I bring to my pre-op appointment?
Bring a written, up-to-date list of all your medicines with their doses (including inhalers, patches, supplements and anything over-the-counter), any recent letters or test results, your glasses or hearing aids if you use them, and a written list of your questions.
What tests are done at a pre-op assessment?
It depends on your health and your operation. Common tests include blood tests, an ECG (heart tracing), and sometimes MRSA swabs. Not everyone needs every test — they're chosen based on your individual situation.
Will they tell me which medicines to stop before surgery?
Yes. Reviewing your medicines is a key part of the appointment. They'll tell you clearly which medicines to keep taking, which to hold, and which to stop before surgery — so ask if anything is unclear and write the instructions down.