PATIENT INFORMATION
Can the anaesthesia plan change on the day of surgery?
Yes. The pre-anaesthesia plan is based on the information available at the time.
Common reasons for a change
- New symptoms, such as a cold, fever or chest pain
- New test results
- Changes in the planned surgery
- Fasting problems
- Medicines taken or missed
- Findings when the anaesthesiologist sees you on the day
What a change may look like
- A different type of anaesthesia, for example general anaesthesia instead of a spinal, or the other way round
- A different pain-relief plan
- Extra monitoring
- A planned overnight stay instead of going home the same day
- A change in timing, or occasionally postponement
What you can do
- Tell the team about any change in your health since the assessment.
- Tell them exactly what you have eaten, drunk and taken.
- Ask the anaesthesiologist to explain any change and the reasons for it.
A change of plan is not necessarily a sign that something is wrong. It usually reflects the team adjusting care to the safest option for you on that day.