Surgery can be a life-altering event. To make the most of it, it’s essential to be well prepared and aware of what to expect so you can move through the process quickly and safely.
Your surgeon, anesthesiologist and nurses can answer all of your questions to give you peace of mind before the procedure. So don’t be shy – ask away!
Preparation
No matter if you require surgery for your own wellbeing or to address a medical condition, preparation can help speed up healing and avoid complications. This preparation can come in two forms: physical and psychological.
Selecting a surgeon, researching your procedure and getting acquainted with those responsible for taking care of you before and afterward are all essential.
If you take certain drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), you may need to adjust your medicines prior to surgery. Speak with your doctor for more information on managing these prior to the operation.
Maintaining Safety: Your healthcare team will take measures to keep you as secure as possible before, during and after surgery. They may ask that you use antiseptic soap on your hands prior to and following surgery for added protection.
Personal Items: Prior to surgery, remove dentures, hearing aids, glasses, contact lenses and jewelry. Bring a case with you so that these can be stored safely during your stay at the hospital.
Procedure
Surgery is a medical procedure used to diagnose or treat diseases, injuries, and other conditions. It may also be employed to enhance physical function or aesthetic appeal and repair areas that have been damaged.
Before you have surgery, it’s wise to discuss its advantages and potential risks with your physician. Additionally, ask about any possible postoperative side effects like infection or bleeding that could occur.
Your doctor can also provide advice on how to avoid illness and stay safe, such as taking medications, washing hands, and getting enough rest each night.
Before your surgery, you should make a list of all medications with dosage and frequency information to bring to the doctor’s office. Your physician may also give you an antibiotic prescription to take before the procedure in order to help prevent infection.
Recovery
Your body goes through several distinct phases during recovery. The initial healing phase involves tissue rebuilding and proliferative repair, which usually takes three to six weeks to fully resolve.
At this stage, you may feel a little tired and have some muscle aches. While these symptoms are normal, they should fade within a few days.
A great way to reduce pain and accelerate healing is by drinking plenty of water during your recovery period. Not only will it keep you hydrated, but it may also ease any nausea or dizziness you might experience.
Maintaining good posture and movement can help protect you against serious medical complications like pneumonia and deep vein thrombosis. Lying flat for too long may cause fluid buildup in the lungs, so take deep breaths and cough when you can to stay healthy.
Post-operative care
Post-operative care refers to the healthcare provided to a person after surgery. The type and location of postoperative care may differ for each patient depending on their preexisting health status, the type of surgery performed and where it occurred.
Postoperative care involves nearly every member of the healthcare team. The surgeon performs the surgery, nurses monitor for complications, respiratory therapists teach and assist with breathing exercises, and medical personnel draw blood samples and take x-rays.
Nurses’ primary goals during the immediate postoperative period are to maintain circulation, monitor for cardiac complications and reduce pain levels. Other important concerns include preventing urinary retention and constipation, monitoring blood pressure levels and making sure the wound heals correctly.
