Operation Preparation

Guest speakers Consultant Surgeon in Upper Gastro-Intestinal Surgery, Ms Claire Donohoe and Clinical Nurse Specialist Jenny Moore talk about two major operations - oesophagectomy and gastrectomy - surgeries to remove part or all of the oesophagus (food pipe) or stomach. These are complex but carefully planned procedures, carried out by a specialist surgical team to treat conditions like cancer of the oesophagus or stomach. They guide you through what happens before, during, and after surgery, why these operations are done and how they help, what the surgery involves, what to expect on the day and how your team keeps you safe and comfortable in theatre and after your surgery. For more information: Check out the Operation Preparation ‘Steps For A Stronger Start’ website here, where transcripts of this episode can be found. You can visit the PAAC webpage here and the St James's Hospital website here.Email the team with questions/topics you would like us to cover here at operationpreparation@stjames.ie Abbreviations:PAAC: Pre Anaesthetic Assessment ClinicCT scan: computed tomography scan ECG: ElectrocardiographyECHO: echocardiogramGI: gastro-intestinal ICU: intensive care unitPET CT: Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography This podcast is for general guidance and information only. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition. Music created and recorded by Niall Malone & Mikey Murray. Recording & Sound Production by Kevin at Philtrum Pictures.

This episode explains how anaesthesia is safely used during pregnancy, labour, childbirth and other surgeries during pregnancy. Guest speakers consultant anaesthesiologist Dr Noelle Healy and Assistant Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Ms Raji Dominic, from the Coombe Hospital Dublin, describe the different types of anaesthesia — including epidurals, spinal blocks, and general anaesthesia - and how each is chosen to suit the mother’s and baby’s needs. The discussion covers what to expect before, during, and after anaesthesia, how comfort and safety are maintained, and the role of the anaesthetic team in supporting both mother and baby throughout the process.  For more information: Check out the Operation Preparation ‘Steps For A Stronger Start’ website here, where transcripts of this episode can be found. You can visit the PAAC webpage here and the St James's Hospital website here.See here if you're preparing for Caesarean birth.  Visit the Coombe Pre-Assessment Clinic, Email the team with questions/topics you would like us to cover here at operationpreparation@stjames.ie Abbreviations:PAAC: Pre Anaesthetic Assessment ClinicC Section: Caesarean Section ID: identification PCA: patient controlled analgesia This podcast is for general guidance and information only. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition. Music created and recorded by Niall Malone & Mikey Murray. Recording & Sound Production by Kevin at Philtrum Pictures.

This episode takes you behind the doors of the Intensive Care Unit - a place that can seem daunting, but is designed for your safety and recovery. Guest speakers consultant anaesthesiologist Carrie Murphy and Advanced Nurse Practitioner Louise Mullen explain what the ICU is, who might need to be there, and what kind of care and monitoring happens around the clock. They’ll also share tips for patients and families on how to prepare, communicate with staff, and look after themselves during this time. For more information:  Check out the Operation Preparation ‘Steps For A Stronger Start’ website here, where transcripts of this episode can be found. You can visit the PAAC webpage here and the St James's Hospital website here. Email the team with questions/topics you would like us to cover here at operationpreparation@stjames.ie.Abbreviations:PAAC: Pre Anaesthetic Assessment ClinicGP: General PractitionerICU: Intensive Care Unit This podcast is for general guidance and information only. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition. Music created and recorded by Niall Malone & Mikey Murray. Recording & Sound Production by Kevin at Philtrum Pictures.

The PAAC team explore how physiotherapists support patients before and after surgery to help achieve the best possible recovery. Guest physiotherapist, Niamh Mc Carthy, explains the importance of prehabilitation - exercises and education that prepare your body for surgery - and how rehabilitation after surgery helps to improve recovery, regain movement, strength, and confidence. For more information: Check out the Operation Preparation ‘Steps For A Stronger Start’ website here, where transcripts of this episode can be found. You can visit the PAAC webpage here and the St James's Hospital website here. View the Prehab Video Demo. View the Active Breathing Cycle Technique Video.View the exercise leaflet.Abbreviations:PAAC: Pre Anaesthetic Assessment ClinicGP: General PractitionerACBT: Active Cycle of Breathing Technique This podcast is for general guidance and information only. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition. Music created and recorded by Niall Malone & Mikey Murray. Recording & Sound Production by Kevin at Philtrum Pictures.

In this episode, the PAAC team explore regional anaesthesia — what it is, how it works, and when it’s used. Guest anaesthesiologist, Dr Ben Atterton, explains how this type of anaesthetic can numb specific areas of the body while keeping you awake and comfortable during surgery and recovery. He discusses the different types of regional blocks, what to expect before and after the procedure, and how this approach can help with pain control and recovery. You will also hear from patient ‘Grace’ who shares her experience of having a regional anaesthetic in The South Dublin Surgical Hub. For more information: Check out the Operation Preparation ‘Steps For A Stronger Start’ website here, where transcripts of this episode can be found. You can visit the PAAC webpage here and the St James's Hospital website here.View the video of a regional anaesthetic procedure here. Email the team with questions/topics you would like us to cover here at operationpreparation@stjames.ie.Abbreviations:PAAC: Pre Anaesthetic Assessment ClinicGP: General Practitioner This podcast is for general guidance and information only. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition. Music created and recorded by Niall Malone & Mikey Murray. Recording & Sound Production by Kevin at Philtrum Pictures.

Welcome to the first episode of Season 3! In this episode, the team explore how quitting smoking before surgery can have benefits to your health, even in as little as 24 hours. This episode’s guest, Clinical Nurse Specialist Carmel Doherty, explains how smoking affects anaesthesia, wound healing, infection risk, and shares her top tips for quitting smoking before your operation. For more information:Check out the Operation Preparation ‘Steps For A Stronger Start’ website here, where transcripts of this episode can be found. You can visit the PAAC webpage here and the St James's Hospital website here.Visit the Quit Smoking Website.St James Hospital Stop Smoking InformationNational Stop Smoking Quitline: 1800 201 203Email the team with questions/topics you would like covered at operationpreparation@stjames.ie.Abbreviations:PAAC: Pre Anaesthetic Assessment ClinicGP: General PractitionerNRT: Nicotine Replacement Therapy  This podcast is for general guidance and information only. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition. Music created and recorded by Niall Malone & Mikey Murray. Recording & Sound Production by Kevin at Philtrum Pictures.

Pain and Your Recovery, explained in episode 11 of ‘Operation Preparation’ aims to show patients how immediate post operative pain is managed by the anaesthetic team. Good pain management is key to a good recovery! For more information: Check out the Operation Preparation ‘Steps For A Stronger Start’ website: www.stjames.ie/operationpreparation Email us questions/topics you would like us to cover here at; operationpreparation@stjames.ie.  The transcript for this episode can be found here.Visit our PAAC page: Pre-Anaesthetic Assessment Clinic | St James's HospitalSt James' Hospital Website: https://www.stjames.ie  Abbreviations:PAAC: Pre-Anaesthetic Assessment ClinicNSAID: Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatoryPCA: Patient Controlled AnalgesiaPRN: as needed (pro re nata)  This podcast is for general guidance and information only. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition. Music created and recorded by Niall Malone & Mikey Murray.Recording & Sound Production by Kevin at Philtrum Pictures.

The 10th episode in ‘Operation Preparation’ helps to clarify for listeners the difference between the types of ‘lines and tubes’ used to help monitor and keep patients safe during and after their surgery. Waking up to an abundance of these different lines and tubes can be overwhelming and cause anxiety. This episode aims to clarify the reasons why these different ‘lines and tubes’ are necessary and help prepare future patients. Find a video of ‘lines and tubes’ here: https://vimeo.com/1078288157 For more information: Check out the Operation Preparation ‘Steps For A Stronger Start’ website: www.stjames.ie/operationpreparation Email us questions/topics you would like us to cover here at; operationpreparation@stjames.ie.The transcript for this episode can be found here.Visit our PAAC page: Pre-Anaesthetic Assessment Clinic | St James's HospitalSt James' Hospital Website: https://www.stjames.ie  Abbreviations:PAAC: Pre-Anaesthetic Assessment ClinicIV – IntravenousECG – ElectrocardiogramNG – Nasogastric This podcast is for general guidance and information only. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition. Music created and recorded by Niall Malone & Mikey Murray.Recording & Sound Production by Kevin at Philtrum Pictures.