Preparing for Surgery: Your Complete Guide
Preparing for surgery starts well before the operating theatre — proper planning ensures a safer procedure and a smoother, faster recovery.
How to Prepare for Surgery
Knowing how to prepare for surgery is just as important as the medical expertise behind the procedure itself. At International Elite Care, you benefit from structured support so that you can approach the operation under the best possible conditions and with complete confidence. Here are the key elements to be aware of.
As a leading medical tourism provider, International Elite Care applies the same rigorous preparation standards whether you are based locally or travelling from the other side of the world.
The pre-anaesthetic consultation is a mandatory and essential step. It allows the anaesthetist to assess your general health, anticipate any risks and define the anaesthesia technique best suited to your situation.
Depending on your medical profile, this consultation may be conducted in person or remotely by video call. During this appointment, it is important to provide your full recent medical records (current treatments, medical reports, personal history).
Any change to your health between this consultation and the day of surgery must be reported to the medical team without delay.
Where necessary, additional investigations may be requested to refine the diagnosis and optimise surgical planning. These will be used to tailor the operative strategy precisely to your anatomy and condition.
Certain treatments may be started or continued before the procedure, according to your surgeon’s recommendations. For example, vitamin C may be prescribed for several weeks before and after the operation to reduce the risk of specific complications.
Any complementary treatment (including homoeopathy, where applicable) should be followed scrupulously as per the prescription provided.
Stopping smoking is strongly recommended at least 30 days before the procedure and for several weeks afterwards. Tobacco significantly increases the risk of post-operative complications, particularly infection, bone-healing problems and skin issues.
If needed, medical support — such as nicotine patches — can be offered to help with cessation.
Preparing for the post-surgery period is a full part of the care pathway. It is advisable to organise in advance:
- the presence of a companion for the journey home,
- home nursing visits if dressings or injections are needed,
- a suitable means of transport,
- any prescribed medical equipment (brace, special shoe, crutches, etc.).
This forward planning ensures a comfortable and safe return home.
Surgery Preparation Checklist: The Evening Before
Following a clear surgery preparation checklist the evening before your procedure is a decisive step: it reduces the risk of infection and sets you up for the surgical day under ideal conditions, both medically and personally.
Skin Preparation for Surgery
Good hygiene plays a major role in preventing post-operative infections. The evening before your procedure, you are asked to:
- take a full shower with liquid soap and shampoo,
- use a clean flannel and clean towels,
- brush your teeth thoroughly.
After your shower, put on clean pyjamas and sleep in clean bedlinen.
Hair removal of the surgical area, if requested by the surgeon, must be carried out exclusively with clippers. The use of a razor is strictly advised against. If you do not have clippers, this step can be performed on site..
Fasting and Dietary Guidelines
In accordance with the anaesthetist’s instructions, you must fast before the procedure. This means no eating, drinking, smoking (including e-cigarettes), chewing gum or consuming sweets for 6 hours before the operation.
As a general rule, fasting begins at midnight if your procedure is scheduled for the following morning. The evening meal should be light, and alcohol must be avoided.
Removing Personal Items
To ensure the smooth running of the procedure and reliable medical monitoring, it is essential to:
- remove all make-up,
- remove nail varnish (hands and feet),
- remove all jewellery and piercings, which should be left at home.
Packing Your Bag: Documents and Equipment
One of the best ways to prepare for surgery is to have everything ready the night before. For a smooth admission on the day, remember to prepare:
- your administrative documents (ID, insurance card, health fund card),
- your medical file and the documents provided during the surgical and anaesthetic consultations,
- your imaging studies related to the procedure,
- the medical equipment prescribed by your surgeon (brace, special shoes, crutches, etc.),
- your regular medications and corresponding prescriptions.
By following these guidelines, you ensure optimal hygiene and safety conditions.
Final Preparation on the Morning of Surgery
On the morning of your procedure, a second shower with shampoo is required. This step completes the skin preparation begun the evening before and continues the infection-prevention protocol. Thorough tooth-brushing is also recommended.
Do not apply any cream, perfume or make-up after the shower. The fast must be maintained: no food and no drinks, not even water.
Comfortable clothing is recommended: wear loose, easy-to-remove garments and flat shoes with no heels. This outfit will make it easier to get settled and stay comfortable after the procedure, particularly if a dressing or medical device is in place.
Before leaving for the care facility, make sure you have:
- removed all jewellery and piercings,
- taken out glasses, contact lenses and any dental or hearing prostheses (these will be removed before the operating theatre),
- prepared all your administrative and medical documents,
- brought your regular medications and prescribed medical equipment.
On arrival, the care team will carry out final medical and administrative checks to ensure a smooth start. Any skin lesion or recent change in your health must be reported.
Day Surgery Preparation: Admission and Discharge on the Same Day
Proper day surgery preparation ensures efficient, safe management with admission and discharge on the same day. This mode of hospitalisation is offered when your health and the type of procedure allow it.
Arrival at the Care Facility
On the day of the procedure, you are welcomed by the care team and shown to the department designated for your treatment. Staff carry out final checks to confirm that all pre-operative instructions have been followed, particularly regarding hygiene and fasting.
Your personal belongings remain your responsibility. It is recommended not to bring valuables or cash, as the facility cannot guarantee their safekeeping.
In the Operating Theatre
You are then taken to the operating theatre, where you are cared for by a specialised team of surgeons, anaesthetists and experienced nursing staff.
The procedure is carried out using the techniques best suited to your situation, within an environment meeting the highest safety and quality standards. Every step is rigorously supervised to ensure the smooth running of the operation.
After the Procedure
Following surgery, you are taken to the recovery room, where your condition is closely monitored. Once your medical parameters are stable, you return to your room.
When the medical team authorises your discharge, you receive all post-operative instructions: treatments, care, recommendations and follow-up arrangements. These are explained clearly to allow a return home under the best possible conditions.
The presence of a companion is essential for your journey home after day surgery. However, their presence at the hospital is not required during your stay.
Surgery with Overnight Hospitalisation
Certain procedures require hospitalisation including at least one night on site. This period allows appropriate medical monitoring and supports the first stages of recovery in a secure environment.
Before the Procedure
On the day of surgery, you are accompanied to your room within the orthopaedic surgery department. Your medical documents, imaging studies and regular medications are reviewed. The final documents required for your care are presented for signature.
As part of surgery preparation, you are invited to shower with antiseptic soap and to change into a specific gown provided by the facility. This step is supervised by the care team to guarantee optimal hygiene and safety conditions before entering the operating theatre.
The Procedure
You are then taken in hand by the anaesthesia team, who apply the anaesthetic strategy defined during the pre-anaesthetic consultation.
The surgical procedure is performed in a highly secure environment, by a specialised team, following established protocols and the techniques best suited to your medical situation. Every step is carried out with rigour to ensure both the smooth running of the operation and your safety.
The Post-Operative Stay
After the procedure, you are taken to the recovery room and then returned to your room once your condition is stable. During your hospitalisation, you benefit from:
- regular medical monitoring,
- tailored pain management,
- progressive support towards resuming basic functional movements.
The medical team remains available to answer your questions and to adjust care according to your progress.
Discharge from Hospital
In the absence of complications, your doctor confirms the date of discharge. The medical team prepares all necessary documents to ensure your departure goes smoothly.
Before leaving, it is important to take the time to:
- check your prescriptions and discharge documents,
- ask any questions about care, treatments and convalescence.
A discharge certificate is provided. This should be forwarded to the relevant bodies to exercise your rights. If necessary, a sick note may also be issued to support your recovery period.
Comprehensive protection
Entrust your surgical project to specialist surgeons
From your country of residence, benefit from a teleconsultation with an expert surgeon and coordinated care in France or Andorra, with every detail of your medical stay carefully organised.