GP: Getting a patient ready for surgery

Back to Preparing for Surgery

It is important that all patients that are referred for possible surgery start to prepare for a potential operation as soon as possible.

GPs can play an important role in helping patients manage chronic health conditions and signposting to helpful resources.

Long-term health conditions

If you have a long-term health condition such as asthma, diabetes or high blood pressure, it is important they are well controlled before any possible surgery.

There are some important health parameters that could lead to your surgery or treatment being delayed while your health is improved. These include:

  • Blood pressure above 160/90 mmHg
  • Haemoglobin less than 130 g/l
  • Diabetic HbA1c above 69 mmol/mol

If any of these are relevant to your medical history it is important you speak to your GP to ensure your health is optimised, so as not to cause any possible delay in your treatment.

The South West London Long-term Conditions team website has lots of information and local resources to help manage and improve any chronic health problems.

Health and Wellbeing

Even small changes in your health and lifestyle can improve your experience of surgery and help you recover faster and reduce your risk of complications.

They are also often good for your long term health, so starting these before your surgery is the best way to get most benefit from these lifestyle changes.

Whatever your current situation, we can give you important tips about:

  • Eating well
  • Being as active as possible
  • Managing your weight
  • Stopping smoking
  • Drinking less alcohol
  • Sleeping better
  • Preparing yourself emotionally and mentally

The ‘Waiting Well: Preparing yourself for surgery’ section has a helpful information and resources to improve your health and lifestyle before any possible surgery.

The earlier you start to make positive changes the better the results will be.