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Operation Preparation

Operation Preparation

Written by: St James's Hospital
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About this listen

Operation Preparation, a new podcast hosted by St James’s Hospital staff, provides surgical patients with key information ahead of their upcoming procedure with the objective of empowering patients and seeing them have better outcomes. The six-part series seeks to answer the common questions people have about anaesthesia in the lead up to surgery, by providing a compilation of relevant patient experiences and insights from which new patients can benefit from, allowing them to clarify their own concerns.


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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St James's Hospital
Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • Episode 10 - What are all these Lines and Tubes?
    Dec 23 2025

    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 Hospital

    St James' Hospital Website: https://www.stjames.ie

    Abbreviations:

    PAAC: Pre-Anaesthetic Assessment Clinic

    IV – Intravenous

    ECG – Electrocardiogram

    NG – 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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    11 mins
  • Episode 18 - Surgery for Oesophageal or Stomach Cancer
    Nov 14 2025

    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 Clinic

    CT scan: computed tomography scan

    ECG: Electrocardiography

    ECHO: echocardiogram

    GI: gastro-intestinal

    ICU: intensive care unit

    PET 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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    30 mins
  • Episode 17 - Anaesthesia and Pregnancy
    Nov 14 2025

    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 Clinic

    C 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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
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