Day of Surgery at Dr. Koko Vietnam: FAQs
Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared for surgery. Your exact arrangements depend on your procedure, anaesthesia plan and medical assessment. Follow the personalised instructions provided by your medical team.
What time should I arrive, and where will my surgery take place?
Our international patient team will confirm your arrival time and the address of the facility where your procedure is scheduled. Check these details before leaving your accommodation, as your consultation and surgery locations may differ.
Allow enough time for check-in and preparation. If you are delayed, contact the team promptly. Confirm any transport arrangements in advance.
What should I bring on surgery day?
Bring your identification, requested medical documents and any test results the team has asked you to provide. Have an up-to-date list of your medications, supplements and allergies available.
Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to put on after your procedure, and leave valuables at your accommodation where possible. Follow the medical team’s instructions about jewellery, contact lenses, makeup and other personal items.
Can I eat, drink or take medication before surgery?
Follow the specific fasting and medication instructions given by your surgeon or anaesthesia professional. These instructions depend on your procedure, anaesthesia and health.
Do not stop prescribed medication or change a dose on your own. If you have eaten or drunk outside the instructions, taken an unexpected medication or are unsure what to do, tell the medical team before the procedure.
What happens before surgery?
Before proceeding, the medical team checks your readiness for surgery. Depending on your treatment, this may include:
Confirming your identity and planned procedure.
Reviewing your medical history, medications, allergies and required test results.
Checking your vital signs and any changes in your health.
Discussing the treatment plan with your surgeon.
Reviewing the anaesthesia plan, where applicable.
Taking clinical photographs or marking the treatment area when needed.
Reviewing and signing the relevant consent documents.
This is your opportunity to ask any remaining questions. Preparation time varies, so allow time for the necessary checks.
Will I speak with my surgeon before the procedure?
Before surgery, your surgeon should review the planned treatment with you and address any remaining questions about the approach, risks, limitations and recovery.
If something is unclear or differs from what you expected, raise it before giving consent. You should understand and feel comfortable with the proposed plan before proceeding.
What if I feel unwell or my test results raise a concern?
Tell the medical team about any new symptoms or health changes, including fever, cough, breathing problems or a recent illness.
Your surgeon and anaesthesia professional, where involved, will assess whether further checks, a change of plan or postponement is needed. A scheduled date does not mean surgery will proceed if the assessment identifies a concern.
What type of anaesthesia will I have?
The anaesthesia plan depends on your procedure, medical history and assessment. Options may include local anaesthesia, sedation or general anaesthesia.
Ask which option is proposed for you, who will administer it and what monitoring and recovery arrangements are required. The appropriate choice is a medical decision made for your individual case.
Will I feel pain during surgery?
Anaesthesia is used to prevent or reduce pain during the procedure. What you experience depends on the type of anaesthesia used.
With local anaesthesia, you may remain awake and notice pressure or movement. Tell the medical team if you feel pain or discomfort so they can assess and respond. Sedation and general anaesthesia involve different levels of awareness, which your anaesthesia professional will explain beforehand.
After surgery, discomfort varies by procedure and patient. Your medical team will explain your pain-management plan.
Can I use my phone before surgery?
Ask the team when phone use is permitted. You may have time to contact family before preparation begins, but phone use can be restricted in preparation, operating and recovery areas.
Arrange where your phone and personal belongings will be kept. Respect the privacy of other patients and staff when taking photographs or making calls.
What should my companion do while I am in surgery?
Confirm the facility’s waiting and visiting arrangements before surgery. Your companion should remain reachable and know whom to contact for updates.
Tell the team whom you authorise to receive information about your care. Access to the recovery area depends on your condition and the facility’s rules.
If you are travelling alone, discuss your transport and support needs before surgery day.
What happens immediately after surgery?
You will be monitored in an appropriate recovery area. The medical team will assess your condition, including your breathing, vital signs, comfort and recovery from anaesthesia, as applicable.
You may experience drowsiness, nausea or discomfort. Tell the medical staff how you feel so they can assess your symptoms and provide appropriate care.
The medical team decides when you are ready to leave the recovery area, continue observation or move to an overnight room.
Will I need to stay overnight?
This depends on the procedure, its extent, the anaesthesia used, your health and how you recover after surgery.
Your team will explain the anticipated arrangements before treatment. Additional observation or an overnight stay may be needed if your recovery requires it. Discharge is based on medical assessment rather than a fixed timetable.
Can I return to my hotel alone?
Discuss this before surgery. After sedation or general anaesthesia, arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you and provide the support required by your discharge instructions. Do not drive yourself.
If you do not have a companion, tell the team in advance so suitable arrangements can be discussed. Transport alone may not meet your post-operative support needs.
What information will I receive before discharge?
Before leaving, make sure you understand your personalised instructions for:
Taking prescribed medication.
Caring for dressings, wounds or the treated area.
Eating, drinking, movement and activity restrictions.
Attending follow-up appointments.
Recognising symptoms that require medical attention.
Contacting the medical team if you have concerns.
Ask for clarification if anything is unclear. Your international patient team can help with communication and appointment coordination; medical concerns need assessment by the medical team.
Who should I contact if I have concerns after leaving?
Use the contact details provided in your discharge instructions. Ask before leaving whom to contact during and outside normal opening hours, and what to do if urgent care is needed.
For severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek urgent medical attention rather than waiting for a WhatsApp response.
How can I discuss surgery-day arrangements before booking?
Start with a free online consultation through the Dr. Koko Vietnam international patient team. After initial assessment, you can discuss your proposed treatment, required checks and practical arrangements.
Every patient and case is different. Procedure suitability, technique, treatment planning and an individual quotation are determined after consultation and assessment.