Blood may be taken in some patients before, during and after the operation to check the amount of red and white blood cells, platelets (FBC), the blood clotting, infection markers (CRP), electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium) and the kidney and liver function. If you might require a blood transfusion, a blood sample for group & save may be taken to determine the blood group. Blood is usually taken from a vein at the elbow or the hand.

A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac which helps reduce friction between bones and tendons to allow free movement. There are hundreds of bursae in the body, and they are found around most major joints.

COPD is an abbreviation for chronic obtrsuctive pulmonary disease and refers to a longstanding lung problem.

It can be caused by long-term smoking or exposure to fumes in poorly ventilated areas.

COPD explained

Diuretics are medications that prevent and treat oedema (swelling of the legs and other dependent parts of the body).

They can also be used in the treatment of high blood pressure.

ECG stands for electrocardiogram and is a trace of your heart. A 12-lead ECG may be performed before or after an operation in some patients. It is non-invasive and obtained through the application of 10 electrodes to the skin (wrists, ankles, chest)

More Info about 12-lead ECGs

For a picture see below

= planned. An elective operation is scheduled at a time that suits the surgeon and the patient.

Entonox is a gas mixture of 50% Oxygen and 50% Nitrous Oxide. It can be used for pain relief (e.g. in labour, manipulation of fractures, painful procedures, patient transfer into hospital after an accident)

It is a state of controlled unconsciousness

The patient is unconscious and won't feel or remember anything

It is mandatory for some operations

It is commenced in the anaesthetic room either by injecting a drug or inhaling a gas, and it is maintained with gas or an infusion of anaesthetics into a vein

You are constantly monitored, and the anaesthetist will stay with you at all times.

More Info about General Anaesthesia

It is a state of controlled unconsciousness

The patient is unconscious and won't feel or remember anything

It is mandatory for some operations

It is commenced in the anaesthetic room either by injecting a drug or inhaling a gas, and it is maintained with gas or an infusion of anaesthetics into a vein

You are constantly monitored, and the anaesthetist will stay with you at all times.

More Info about General Anaesthesia

• an intravenous cannula is a small plastic tube which is inserted into a vein, usually in the back of your hand, the forearm or at the elbow
• a tourniquet is applied to you arm and the skin cleaned with an alcohol wipe
• a plastic tube with a needle is inserted (usually into a vein on your hand)
• keep your hands warm before the insertion, it increases the size of your veins and makes the insertion much easier
• the needle in the plastic tube is then removed and disposed
• the plastic tube is fixed with a dressing to keep it in place
• the plastic tube stays in the vein and is attached to a giving set with a fluid bag
• it is required for every anaesthetic
• it is used for the administration of fluids and medication (single injection or infusion)
• for infusions a pump may also be attached
• it may be removed after your operation, it will be removed before you are going home
• if required for longer it should be exchanged every 3 days to avoid an infection