Surgery

A referral from a medical professional is required for consultation for surgery with Dr. Liu Hennessey. Please have your Family Physician or Nurse Practitioner send the referral via fax to the number listed on our contact page.

During your consultation with Dr. Liu Hennessey, you will discuss both non-operative and operative management of your condition. She will explain the indications for each option and the benefits and risks involved.

If surgery is recommended and you have provided consent to proceed, you will be added to the waitlist based on the severity of the condition as well as the date the referral is received. We appreciate your patience as the wait time can be long due to resource limitations of the hospital.

Once a surgical date is determined, the hospital will process your information and contact you about an appointment with the Pre-Admission Clinic (PAC). At this appointment, you will be assessed by a nurse and, if needed, an anesthesiologist, to discuss your current medications and fasting guidelines for surgery.

Your Surgery Check-In Time

We determine the date of your surgery, however the Operating Room determines the time of your operation, and it is only confirmed the workday before the date of surgery. For example, if your operation is on Monday, the specific time is set on the Friday prior.

Our office will call you between 2-4pm the workday before your surgery with your check-in time. Please do not contact our office prior to this time as we will not yet have received the check-in time.

Your Surgery Location And Check-In Process

• Vancouver General Hospital (VGH): 899 West 12th Ave., Vancouver
• If you have not heard from our office by 4pm the workday before your surgery, please call the VGH Admitting Department before 5pm at 604-875-4300 or 604-875-4111 ext. 62238 for your check-in time.
• On the day of surgery, report to the Admitting Department in the Jim Pattison Pavilion on the 1st Floor.

• UBC Hospital (UBCH): 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver
• If you have not heard from our office by 4pm the workday before your surgery, please call the UBCH Admitting Department before 6pm at 604-822-7033 for your check-in time.
• On the day of surgery, report to the Admitting Department in the Koerner Pavilion on the Ground Floor.

• False Creek Healthcare Centre (FCHC): 555 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver.
• A FCHC coordinator will call you a minimum of 1-2 business days prior to your surgery date to discuss your fasting instructions, medication instructions, and arrival time. Please do not contact our office.
• Please call 604-739-9695 between 8:00am-4:00pm on weekdays if you have any additional questions for their staff after the call.
• On the day of surgery, report to the 6th Floor.

Preparation Instructions

• OR Admitting Information
• Surgery Bowel Preparation Instructions
• Preparing for Your Surgery - VCH

Post-Operative Care

• Post-Operative Instructions & Recommendations

Additional Reading

• ERAS Bowel Preparation Information - VCH
• ERAS for Colon Surgery - VCH

Frequently Asked Questions about Surgery

• Are there any risks of having surgery?

Yes, all surgeries carry some risk. Therefore, it is important to for you and Dr. Liu Hennessey to have a detailed conversation. Together, you will weigh the benefits and risks of surgery and decide if surgery is the right option for you.

• When can I go home after surgery?

It depends on the type of surgery you're having:

Day Surgery (same-day discharge)

You’ll usually be ready to go home 1 to 2 hours after your procedure ends. Dr. Liu Hennessey will call your driver as soon as the surgery is complete and you are on your way to the recovery room. Then a recovery room nurse will call your driver once you have recovered and are ready for pick-up.

Overnight Stay or Hospital Admission

Some surgeries require you to stay in the hospital for 1 to 5 days. Once you’re medically cleared by Dr. Liu Hennessey and her hospital team, you’ll be discharged. Pick-up usually happens between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM on the day you're going home.

• Can I travel after surgery?

In general, it is not recommended to travel by plane or long car rides for at least 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. This is because complications can happen, and you may need quick access to medical care. Always check with Dr. Liu Hennessey before making any travel plans.

• Do I need to quit smoking before my hernia surgery?

Yes. Smoking greatly increases your risk of infections, poor wound healing, and hernia recurrence (which might mean another surgery). You must stop smoking 6 weeks prior to operation. If you have not quit, your surgery may be cancelled on the day of your procedure.

We recognize that quitting smoking is tough, but having a quit plan that will prepare you for the challenge is key to success.

All BC residents can access FREE support through the QuitNow program offered by the BC Lung Foundation.