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Your surgery

Practical information to help you prepare for surgery and recovery

We understand that preparing for surgery can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to help make your experience as smooth, safe and reassuring as possible – from your first appointment through to recovery at home.

This page explains what to expect before, during and after your surgery at Laparoscopy Auckland.

If you have any questions at any stage, please contact us – we are happy to help.

Preparing for surgery

Admission forms and medical information

Once your surgery has been booked, please complete your patient admission form. This allows our clinical team to review your medical history, individual needs and any other relevant information to help prepare for your procedure. 

Patient Admission Form →

Please complete your form at least 7 days before your admission where possible.

If you have questions about your form or booking, please contact our team.

Eating, drinking and medications

It is important to carefully follow any instructions provided by your surgeon or anaesthetist regarding:

  • eating and drinking before surgery

  • regular medications

  • blood-thinning medications

  • diabetes management

Fasting requirements are important for your safety while under anaesthetic.  

If you are unsure about any instructions, please contact your surgeon’s rooms or our team before your procedure.

What to bring

Please bring:

  • comfortable, loose-fitting clothing

  • current medications in original packaging

  • personal toiletries

  • glasses, lenses, hearing aids, mobility aids or CPAP machine if used

  • insurance information and approval details (if applicable)

  • device chargers

We recommend leaving valuables and jewellery at home wherever possible. 

Blood clot prevention

Surgery can increase the risk of a blood clot, particularly in the legs. Your medical specialist will assess your risk and advise what steps are needed before, during and after your procedure.

You can help reduce your risk by:

  • staying well hydrated

  • remaining active before and after surgery

  • following instructions about compression stockings

  • taking any prescribed medications as directed

Read more → 

Admission and stay

Laparoscopy Auckland will advise your admission time before surgery. 

When you arrive, our reception and nursing teams will guide you through the admission process and help you settle into your room.

A nurse will:

  • review your medical history

  • confirm medications and allergies

  • answer any questions

  • prepare you for surgery

Your surgeon and anaesthetist will also meet with you before your procedure.

Location and parking

Laparoscopy Auckland is located at 148 Gillies Avenue, Epsom, Auckland.
View map →

Parking is available on site. If you require assistance on arrival, please let our team know.

Meals and dietary requirements

Our nursing team will confirm any dietary requirements noted on your admission forms when you are admitted. Please let us know if anything has changed. We will do our best to accommodate your needs where possible, considering your procedure and recovery requirements.

Depending on the type of surgery you have, meals may be light or introduced gradually as part of your recovery.

Privacy, comfort and coordinated care

We understand that privacy, dignity and reassurance are especially important when preparing for surgery. 

Our facility has been designed to support:

  • individual patient privacy

  • calm and efficient patient flow

  • clear communication with patients and families

  • a comfortable recovery environment

Our nursing and support teams work closely with your surgeon and anaesthetist to ensure your experience is well coordinated throughout your stay.

Your surgeon is responsible for your medical care and will review your progress during your admission. Our nursing team is with you throughout your stay to provide care, monitor your recovery, and support your comfort and wellbeing.

If any additional medical input is needed, your surgeon remains closely involved and available to the clinical team as required.

Visitors are welcome during visiting hours (8am-8pm), while recognising that rest and recovery are also important parts of healing. 

Recovery and discharge

Recovery experiences vary depending on the type of surgery performed and individual circumstances.

Before discharge:

  • your surgeon or clinical team will review your recovery

  • medications and pain relief instructions will be provided

  • follow-up arrangements will be explained

  • wound care advice will be discussed

Most patients require a responsible adult to accompany them home following surgery. Patients must not drive themselves home after receiving an anaesthetic. 

If you have any concerns after discharge, please contact your surgeon’s rooms or seek medical advice.

Recovering at home

It is normal to experience some discomfort, tiredness and reduced energy following surgery.

Our team may provide guidance regarding:

  • wound care and dressings

  • showering and bathing

  • activity and lifting restrictions

  • returning to work

  • driving

  • exercise and recovery

Recovery is gradual, and it is important to allow your body time to heal, even after relatively minor procedures. 

Post-op Recovery Guide (PDF) → 

Costs and insurance

Health insurance

Laparoscopy Auckland is an Affiliated Provider for selected Southern Cross procedures.  

Where applicable, our team may arrange prior approval and claim processing on your behalf.

For other insurers, we recommend obtaining prior approval before your surgery wherever possible. 

ACC

If your treatment involves ACC cover, written approval from ACC is required before admission.  

Please ensure any approval documentation clearly states the level of cover being provided.

Self-funded procedures

If you are not insured, payment arrangements will usually be discussed prior to surgery.

If you are self-funding your procedure, either the full amount or any required insurance co-payment will need to be paid in advance of your surgery.

If you have questions about estimated costs or payment options, our team will be happy to assist.

What our patients say

"I'm extremely satisfied with the patient treatment provided during my stay at the centre. The medical staff were attentive, responsive to my needs, and consistently delivered high-quality care."

"I would like to thank the staff at Laparoscopy Auckland for the excellent care I received during my recent stay. Very professional and caring, making the whole process easy and stress free."

Questions?

If you have questions before or after your surgery, please contact our team. We are committed to making your experience safe, comfortable and well supported.