What happens during surgery?

You will either be given paperwork on the day of your consultation or receive paperwork in the mail prior to your procedure. If you have not received your paperwork at least 2 weeks prior to your procedure, please contact the rooms on (09) 309 0912.

This will need to be returned as per the instructions included in the pack at least a week prior to your surgery. Not all paperwork is sent back to Dr Neill's office.

Often blood and urine tests will be required. These need to be done a week prior. These can be done at any labtests. There is usually no need to fast for these.

If you have insurance, please arrange prior approval. A cost estimate can be provided if required. If you are self-paying often the estimates will be requested in advance. If you have southern cross insurance the procedure may be affiliated, in which approval is arranged for you. If this is the case we will let you know.

Some medications, particularly blood thinners and diabetic drugs, may need to be stopped prior to surgery so please ensure that you advise us if you are taking these well in advance of your procedure.

Where you have your surgery determines what happens on the day. Each of our locations has unique processes and policies in place.

You can find up-to-date information at the following websites:

Ascot Hospital
www.mercyascot.co.nz or call (09) 520 9575

North Harbour Hospital
healthcare.southerncross.co.nz or call (09) 925 4400

Columba surgical centre (on Level 2 of the Ascot Hospital)
www.columbasurgical.co.nz or call (09) 520 9527

The details for your arrival time will be given a few days in advance of your procedure. If you are needing this information sooner, please contact us to discuss.

You will generally need to have nothing to eat from 6 hours prior to your arrival time. You can drink water only until 2 hours prior to admission then nothing to eat or drink till after your procedure. If you are diabetic or have any specific questions, please ensure you talk to us about this.

If you have been in hospital for longer than 24 hours within the previous 6 months, extra infection control testing may be required, please ensure you have advised us of this.

Please follow the individual location Covid screening requirements.

If you have had covid, please ensure we are aware of this and of the date you tested positive as this can have an effect on the most appropriate timing for your procedure. Particularly from an anaesthetic point of view.

If you are having a day stay procedure, you need to ensure you have arranged for someone to collect you after your procedure. There will also need to be someone in the house with you overnight. If you are unable to arrange this please advise us as the hospital may require you to stay overnight.

Generally, it is not advised you travel home via public transport or a taxi/uber.

General anaesthetic restrictions also mean you are unable to drive for 24 hours after an anaesthetic. You shouldn't sign important documents or operate machinery during this period either. Please discuss these with the anaesthetist.

Do not drink or eat anything in the car on the trip home as it may cause nausea and vomiting.

After arriving home, wait until you are hungry before trying to eat. Begin with a light meal and try to avoid greasy food for the first 24 hours

Take your pain medicine as directed. Begin the pain medicine as you start getting uncomfortable, but before you are in severe pain. If you wait to take your pain medication until the pain is severe, you will have more difficulty controlling the pain