How long - pre op to op?

[Humpy D]

My OH is due to have an operation to remove a benign lump from her breast. She had the pre-op meeting last Wednesday (4th) but to date has not had notification when the operation will take place. Most people say about 2 weeks after the pre-op - is this generally the case and how much notice do they normally give?

Whilst I can appreciate that it can differ vastly between areas, how busy the hospital is, etc I wonder whether the blood test, etc they did at the pre-op have a life span and if the operation doesn't take place within 4 weeks (say) will another pre-op have to take place?

[RB5Bird]

As you say, each area and hospital will be different.

I had my pre-op last week (5th) and my op is tomorrow (14th). Although it day surgery for a steroid injection, so nothing too major (I hope). The previous 2 ops, which had an overnight stay involved, I had the pre-op in the fortnight before. They can't really leave too long I wouldn't have thought, but I'm not sure on an "expiry date" for it, although that would make sense.

[Humpy D]

Thanks for that.

When were you told of the date for your operation? Same time as you were told of your pre-op or after? If after how much notice did they give you i.e. from date of advise until the operation?

[Stupeo]

As above, every hospital is different.

However, there are different rules depending on the type of Op. For example, if a patient has cancer they are put on a "2 week rule" - so they will be operated on as priority.

Also, when they are listed for surgery, the consultant would indicate whether its routine (18 weeks I think) or urgent (6 weeks).

I am not a Doctor or Nurse, but I have just finished designing and developing software for a hospital and their Pre-Op department

[Davel]

My son had a pre-op last week and went for surgery this morning.

First on the list and all gowned up, only to be told the surgeon had gone home sick and it'll be put back till Monday afternoon.

It's only minor but he's only 16 and has been worried sick about it.

Anyway, I'd say one to two weeks and good luck to all waiting!

[RB5Bird]

Only about a month. Appointment end of Oct, scan early Nov, date soon after.

[sawman]

there isn't an absolute figure.
one of the aspects of pre op is the routine screening swab to see if the patient is carrying MRSA, again this is not absolute but it surgery is not carried out within about 6-12 weeks this will need to be repeated

in my department pre op is 2-4 weeks prior to elective surgery

[Humpy D]

My OH is finally having her op on Saturday. She has been told that she doesn't need another pre-op but it wouldn't surprise me if she was told something different when we get there.

Since she had her pre-op though her Dad has passed away and a friend of hers who was given 9 months to live last year died yesterday. She is very, very nervous about the operation and I'm seriously worried whether she is even in any state to go through it. However, having a lump removed from her breast is not the kind of thing you want to delay.

Does anybody know if the hospital could refuse to operate if they don't think the patient is able to go through with it, mentally?