The anaesthetic is one of the main concerns for patients, stemming from the fact that many feel they are handing over control of their life to another person. This worry is quite needless as modern anaesthetics are very safe. The anaesthetist also makes an examination and asks questions relating to smoking, allergies, and medical history. There is no food on the day of the operation and little to drink. Part of the limb is shaved often including the pubic hair, and the patient is dressed in an operation gown.
Some hospitals give patients a suppository before the operation to clear the bowels.
This is a small gelatine capsule which is pushed into the bottom. Bowel movement follows about twenty minutes later. An hour or so before going to the theatre, a premedication injection is given to relax the patient in preparation for the anaesthetic. Patients are then lifted onto a trolley by theatre assistants and taken to the theatre anteroom where an anaesthetic injection sends them to sleep. The anaesthetist will discuss this with the patient before the operation.