PRE-SURGERY INFORMATION

Preparing for surgery Your doctor has determined that surgery is needed as part of your treatment plan. Most patients and families are understandably anxious about having surgery. You probably have many questions. Please do not hesitate to ask your doctor or nurse any questions. This material will provide you with information on what will happen before your surgery.

Before surgery Consent form Your surgeon will explain the details of your surgery, including its risks and benefits. He or she will then ask you to sign a consent form. (The consent form gives your surgeon permission to perform the surgery he or she discussed with you.) It is important that you ask your surgeon questions so you will have a good understanding of the surgery.

Time of surgery You will be told the time of your surgery in advance. If you are an inpatient, you will be informed what time family or friends should arrive before the surgery. If you are an outpatient, same-day surgery patient, or ambulatory surgery patient, you will be called the day before your surgery and told what time to come to the hospital on the day of surgery.

Tests and examinations Before surgery, laboratory tests and x-rays may be done. These tests may be different for each patient and may include blood tests, a chest x-ray, and an EKG (electrocardiogram). You will have a physical examination and a discussion about your medical history before surgery.

Anesthesia The anesthesiologist is a doctor who administers the medication that puts you to sleep during the surgery or who gives you local or spinal anesthesia. He or she will talk with you before your surgery and will decide which type of anesthetic is best for you. You should tell the anesthesiologist if you have any allergies, if you have been taking any medication, and if you ever had anesthesia in the past. You also should tell the anesthesiologist if you or an immediate family member has had complications with anesthesia in the past.

Shave preparation Sometimes body hair in the area involved in the surgery must be removed by clipping, shaving, or using a depilatory product. This will be done by the staff at the hospital before the surgery unless you are instructed otherwise.

Smoking You are advised to stop smoking 24 hours before your surgery. While this can be difficult, it will help improve your breathing and circulation. It also will help decrease breathing problems after your surgery.

Food and fluids You will not be permitted to eat or drink anything for a period of hours before your surgery. This is important because your stomach must be empty when you receive anesthesia. Eating or drinking before your surgery can cause a delay or cancellation of your surgery.

Exercises to prevent complications If you will have general anesthesia, you will learn some exercises to help you after surgery. They include deep breathing and leg exercises.

Rest It's important to get a good night's sleep before your surgery. Sometimes your doctor will prescribe a medication to help you rest.

The day of your surgery
Bathing and personal belongings On the morning of your surgery, you should bathe and brush your teeth, but do not swallow any water. Do not use any lotion, cream, powder, or deodorant on your body. Your nurse will help you get ready. You will put on a hospital gown only. You will need to remove dentures, contact lenses, nail polish, makeup, tampons, hairpieces, jewelry, and any artificial limbs. Valuables must be given to a family member or friend or locked in the hospital safe. You should empty your bladder right before leaving for surgery.

Medication If you are an outpatient or an ambulatory or same-day surgery patient, do not take your daily medications before surgery unless you are specifically instructed to do so. Before surgery, it is common for you to receive an injection of medication. This medication will help relax you. It may make your mouth feel dry. After receiving the medication, you will be asked to remain in bed.

Waiting area Your family and friends will be instructed where to wait while you are in surgery. They will be able to see you when you have returned to your room from the recovery room.

Operating room You will arrive in a holding area in the operating room. Health care professionals will be available in this area to make you comfortable and to answer your questions. An intravenous (IV) needle may be placed in your vein so you can receive fluids during the surgery. When you are wheeled into the operating room, you will be helped onto the operating room table. Your blood pressure will be taken, and you may have an oxygen mask placed over your face. Many people will be around you preparing you for the surgery. If you are receiving a general anesthetic, it will make you fall asleep so that you will not feel any pain or be aware of anything during the surgery. Other types of anesthesia used will numb only the area of surgery, so you will not feel pain. Along with these anesthetics you will receive medication that will allow you to drift in and out of sleep.