This page is general information. Always follow the instructions you receive from your surgeon and from Mississauga Hospital. Where they differ from this page, their instructions apply.
01 · Weeks before
In the weeks before surgery
Your consultation and consent
Your surgeon will explain the operation, its expected benefits, its risks and the alternatives, including not having surgery. Bring your questions, and a family member if you would like. You will be asked to sign a consent form once all of your questions have been answered.
Pre-admission
Most patients have a pre-admission appointment with Mississauga Hospital, in person or by phone. It may include bloodwork, an ECG, a review of your medications and an anesthesia assessment.
Medications
Tell us about every medication you take. This includes blood thinners (such as warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, clopidogrel or aspirin), anti-inflammatories, diabetes medications including GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide, and vitamins or supplements. Do not stop any medication unless you have been told to. You will be told what to stop and when.
Your checklist
02 · Day before
The day before
- The hospital will tell you when to arrive. Make sure they have your current phone number.
- Follow your fasting instructions exactly. If you eat or drink when you should not, your surgery may be postponed for your safety.
- Shower the night before or the morning of surgery, using any special soap you were given. Remove nail polish, jewellery and piercings, and do not apply lotion or makeup.
03 · Day of surgery
The day of surgery
Surgery takes place at Mississauga Hospital, 100 Queensway West. Check in where and when you were instructed. Leave valuables at home.
What to bring
04 · In hospital
In hospital
After surgery you will wake up in the recovery room. From there you will move to a ward or, after some procedures, go home the same day. How long you stay depends on the operation, from same-day discharge to several days.
- Getting up and walking early, with help at first, lowers the risk of complications such as blood clots and pneumonia.
- Your team will manage your pain with a plan suited to your operation.
- Physiotherapy may see you before you go home.
05 · Recovery
Going home and recovery
- Wound care. Keep your incision clean and dry, and follow the instructions you are given about showering and dressings.
- Activity. Walk every day and build up gradually. Activity guidance differs between operations, so follow the specific advice your surgeon gives you.
- Driving. Do not drive while taking opioid pain medication, or until your surgeon tells you it is safe.
- Medication. Take pain medication as prescribed. Opioids commonly cause constipation, so use the stool softener or laxative recommended to you.
06 · After you go home
When to seek help
Call our office at (905) 291-4506 if you notice:
- Fever over 38°C (100.4°F)
- Increasing redness, swelling or drainage from your incision
- Clear fluid leaking from the incision, or a headache that is much worse when sitting or standing
- Pain that is not controlled by your medication
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for new or worsening weakness or numbness, difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels, chest pain, shortness of breath, pain or swelling in your calf, confusion or a seizure.
07 · Follow-up
Follow-up
You will have a follow-up appointment at our clinic at 101 Queensway West. If you do not have a date when you leave hospital, our office will call you. Imaging may be arranged before the visit.