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Surgery

Surgery is treatment in which a surgeon repairs, removes or examines tissue through an incision or with a viewing instrument. Good preparation, safe medicine arrangements and early recognition of complications help recovery.

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Surgery is treatment in which a surgeon repairs, removes or examines tissue through an incision or with a viewing instrument. Good preparation, safe medicine arrangements and early recognition of complications help recovery.

  • Symptoms before surgery depend on the condition, for example pain, loss of function, bleeding or breathlessness.
  • Temporary wound pain, tiredness, bruising and reduced appetite are often expected after surgery.
  • Follow the exact instructions about fasting and which medicines to take or leave out.
  • Arrange transport beforehand and, if needed, someone to help during the first night or days.
  • Call before surgery if you have fever, a cough, a skin infection, new breathlessness or a change in medicines.
  • For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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Caesarean birthA caesarean is an operation in which a baby is born through cuts in the abdomen and womb. It may be planned or performed as an emergency. Good preparation, getting moving early, wound care and watching for warning signs are important. Call a doctor for heavy bleeding, fever, increasing wound pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain, a swollen red leg or feeling rapidly more unwell.
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A child going to hospitalGood preparation matters when a child needs hospital care. Child-friendly explanations, a calm parent and clear arrangements help reduce stress. Watch for deterioration on the journey and after discharge. For a threat to life, call 912; for urgent assessment outside office hours, call HAP 9252.
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Having coronavirusIf you have COVID-19 or symptoms that fit, you can usually recover at home. Protect people around you, drink enough and watch your breathing and any deterioration. Make contact early if you are at high risk of severe illness, because any treatment needs assessment soon after symptoms begin.