Preparing for Surgery
Preparations for surgery depend on your diagnosis. Your physician will discuss with you how to prepare for your surgery. However, if you will undergo general anesthesia, you may be asked to do the following:
- Stop drinking and eating for a certain period of time before the time of surgery
- Bathe or clean, and possibly shave the area to be operated on
- Undergo various blood tests, X-rays, electrocardiograms, or other procedures necessary for surgery
- Sometimes a patient may be asked to take an enema the evening before surgery, to empty the bowels. Please check with your physician.
- Do not wear makeup the day of surgery
- Do not wear nail polish
- Do not wear your eye contacts
- Leave valuables and jewelry at home
- Advise the medical staff of dentures or other prosthetic devices you may be wearing
Often, to make their experience more comfortable and efficient, patients are advised to bring the following:
- Loose-fitting clothes to wear
- Social Security card number
- Insurance information
- Medicare or Medicaid card
The Language of Composition: Reading, Writing, Rhetoric
2nd EditionLawrence Scanlon, Renee H. Shea, Robin Dissin Aufses
661 solutions
Technical Writing for Success
3rd EditionDarlene Smith-Worthington, Sue Jefferson
468 solutions
Literature and Composition: Reading, Writing,Thinking
1st EditionCarol Jago, Lawrence Scanlon, Renee H. Shea, Robin Dissin Aufses
1,697 solutions
Technical Writing for Success
3rd EditionDarlene Smith-Worthington, Sue Jefferson
468 solutions
Patient Education
Be better prepared. Bring these 10 questions to your surgeon before having an operation.
10 Questions to Ask
- Why do I need this operation?
- How will the operation be performed?
- Are there other treatment options, and is this operation the best option for me?
- What are the risks, benefits, and possible complications for this operation? Will my health history and the medications I am currently taking mean the risks, possible complications, and benefits will be different for me?
- What are my anesthesia options?
- What kind of anesthesia is best for me considering my health history, the prescription medications, and vitamins/herbs I take?
- How will I be monitored during the operation?
- Do I need to be seen in a pre operative anesthesia clinic?
- Will I need any blood test or other tests prior to my surgery?
- What can I expect before the operation?
- Will I need any special preparation – tests, blood donation, blood thinners, change in my routine medications?
- Will I need any special diet?
- When do I have to stop eating and drinking?
- Should I take my home medication on the day of my operation?
- What can I expect
for my recovery in terms of treatment, medication, diet, and home care?
- What type of care will I have to provide for myself at home?
- When will I be able to return to my regular activities [work, lifting, driving, and exercise]?
- Will I need any medication—antibiotics, pain medication?
- What can I do to help with my recovery?
- Will I have any drains or other tubes when I leave the hospital?
- Will I need any special items to care for my surgical site?
- Could you tell me about your experience with this operation?
- Do you perform this operation regularly?
- What is your success rate, and how often do your patients experience any problems?
- Are you board certified? By which board?
- Are you a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons?
- How can I contact you if I have more questions?
- Is the surgical facility accredited and properly staffed?
- How much will the operation cost me, and what type of insurance do you take?
- Are all of the people involved in my operation covered by my insurance [anesthesia, pathology, radiology]?
Sources for Patient Questions
Russell, TR. I Need and Operation. . . Now What? American College of Surgeons. Chicago, IL. 2008
When planning for an Operation. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality www.ahrq.gov/consumer/quicktips/tipsurgery.htm