Breast Reconstruction preoperative assessment

It may be helpful to read the leaflet at the link below before attending this appointment:

Discharge Advice Following Breast Reconstruction Surgery (pdf)

Your appointment

During this appointment we will give you information about coming into hospital and allow you and your family time to ask any questions you have about your surgery.

You will see a Preoperative Assessment Nurse and then a Breast Reconstruction Specialist Nurse.

Please allow two hours for your visit - the time you will spend with us will depend on your medical history and how many tests are needed.

We will check your:

• blood pressure (BP)
• pulse
• height
• weight.

We will take an electrocardiograph (ECG) - a trace of your heart - and blood tests.

We will ask some questions, check your medications and advise you about any medications you may need to stop taking before your surgery.

Please bring an up-to-date list of your medications with you.

The assessment helps us understand your health situation and decide if further tests are needed to make sure you are fit for your surgery.

We will also give you some information leaflets to read carefully when you get home.

We will let you know what to expect during your stay, how the surgery is performed and what postoperative care we will give you.

We will also advise you what you can and cannot after you leave hospital so that you can arrange support while you recover.

After major breast reconstruction surgery you must restrict all normal activities for up to six weeks and may need to ask for help from family and friends.

What to bring into hospital

• Any regular medications you take at home
• Front-fastening pyjamas / night dress and dressing gown or other suitable comfortable clothing - we will need to check your breast(s) frequently.
• Postoperative bra - front-fastening and not underwired (preferably a black bra as it may get marked)
• You may wish to wear high tight-fitting bottoms / underwear after your surgery - some women report that they find this more comfortable
• Slippers or shoes with rubber soles
• Desktop fan
• Long phone charging cable so you can charge your phone and use it at the same time - the plug sockets will be behind your hospital bed
• Your smartphone / tablet / laptop and books / magazines to keep you occupied
• Squash / juice and snacks - we have a fridge for patient food but cannot reheat food
  
• Toiletries such as shower gel, shampoo, lip balm, facial wipes and creams - you can have a shower and wash your hair during your stay
  
• Eye mask and ear plugs - we will check your breast(s) frequently overnight, so these may help your sleep to be less disturbed
  
• Throat / boiled sweets - some patients find an anaesthetic can make their throat feel dry and hard