Your NIOPPS accredited practitioner will explain how to prepare for your operation. For example if you smoke you will be asked to try to stop, as smoking increases your risk of getting a wound infection and slows your recovery.  If you are not able to stop, reducing the amount you smoke, just before and for a while after your operation, could also help.

The operation usually requires an overnight stay in hospital and is performed under general anaesthesia. This means you will be asleep during the operation.

You will be asked to follow fasting instructions. Typically you must not eat or drink for about six hours before a general anaesthetic. However, some anaesthetists allow occasional sips of water until two hours beforehand.  This will be made clear based on your own circumstances and medical history.

At the hospital your practitioner may check your heart rate and blood pressure, and test your urine.

Your surgeon will usually ask you to sign a consent form. This confirms that you understand the risks, benefits and possible alternatives to the procedure and have given your permission for it to go ahead.

You may be asked to wear compression stockings to help prevent blood clots forming in the veins in your legs. You may need to have an injection of an anti-clotting medicine as well as, or instead of, stockings.  Again your own medical condition and circumstances will be taken into account.