How to Prepare for Surgery
A surgery should be planned very well in order to avoid problems and complications later on. Here are some tips on how to prepare for surgery.
Days Before the Surgery
Research. Once you know the kind of surgery that will be done on you, try looking for information about the procedure. You can search the net or look into medical books.
Ask. Your doctor would be able to explain clearly how the procedure will go. The earlier you get answers to all your questions, the better you’ll be able to prepare for the surgery and put your mind at rest. Topics that you should ask about are the risk factors, possible complications, length of surgery and recovery.
Contact your health insurance provider. Make sure that the surgery is covered by your insurance policy. You don’t want to be surprised with your medical expenses, if your policy doesn’t cover the procedure.
Reduce anxiety by knowing some relaxation techniques.Practicing your chosen relaxation technique, like deep breathing exercise as early as possible will help you do it easily once you get anxious when you’re about to undergo the procedure.
Before the Surgery
Arrange for someone to take you to the hospital and back home, especially if it’s an outpatient procedure, meaning there’s no need for you to stay in the hospital after the procedure is done.
Have a trusted person stay with you in the hospital to act as a decision maker if in case decisions should be made while you’re undergoing surgery. An immediate family member or a close friend is a good choice.
Ask for a preoperative checklist if you haven’t been given one yet. Take note of all the necessary things that you should do.
Personal belongings like eyeglasses, wristwatch, jewelry and dentures should not be brought. You can have some one keep them for you while you’re in the operating room. The preoperative nurse will check for these items and ask you to surrender them before the procedure, so it’s best that you do it on your own and let a family member or a friend keep these things for you.
You’ll be asked about the current medications that you’re taking, allergies, personal and family history of illnesses. Try to answer all the questions as accurately as you can.
Don’t forget to sign the informed consent. Signing this form ensures that the procedure have been explained to you, the risks and possible complications have been discussed and that you aren’t, by any means forced to undergo the surgery.The procedure will not push through unless the consent form is signed.
The night before the surgery, expect to be ordered to take nothing by mouth (NPO). This is important, especially if you’re having an operation concerning your digestive system. NPO is ordered to prevent complications such as aspiration or vomiting.
You may be given a sedative a few minutes to an hour prior the procedure. Don’t worry about being dizzy or sleepy. It’s just the effect of the drug given to you.
Undergoing a surgery need not be a very stressing. Make sure that you’re well informed and that all your questions have been answered. Also, it’s very important that you develop a trusting relationship with your doctor. Being comfortable with your health care provider will help you a lot in dealing with the surgical procedure.