Medical conditions and Teeth
Loose teeth or crowns should be treated by your dentist before the operation to avoid damage to your teeth when airway devices are used for a general anaesthetic.
If you feel unwell (e.g. chest infection, coughing, fever, diarrhoea) your operation may be postponed. Please seek advice from the hospital.
For long-standing medical conditions you may need a check-up with your GP. The treatment should be optimised, usually with medication (e.g. for diabetes, asthma, chronic lung disease, epilepsy, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke). Bring in as required medication (e.g. inhalers, nitro spray) and medical devices (e.g. CPAP-machine) if applicable.
Blood tests and investigations
Depending on your age and medical conditions blood tests and investigations may have to be carried out prior to your operation.
Blood tests may include full blood count, clotting, electrolytes, thyroid function and liver function tests, medication levels.
Investigations may include an ECG (trace of your heart, usually if there are concerns that you might have anaemia, before operations with a possible larger blood loss and in the presence of certain medical conditions), Lung function tests (in chronic lung diseases), Echocardiogram (ultrasound scan of your heart), pacemaker checks, sleep studies (in obstructive sleep apnoea if you stop breathing at night). The physical fitness may also be assessed with stress tests (e.g. on a treadmill).