Preparing for surgery

Kamala has been told she requires surgery. Her sister is coming to stay with her for a few days to help her during the recovery period. Kamala has been discussing the surgery with her family and friends. She is getting a variety of descriptions and her anxiety is building up. She wants more details. She wants to know what will be done before and after the surgery. Does she have to do anything special before surgery?

Outpatient surgery is also known as same-day surgery or day-care surgery. The patient arrives for surgery and returns home on the same day.

Inpatient surgery requires the patient to get admitted to the hospital on the day before surgery and remain for a few days or more after surgery.

Preparing for surgery:

There are things you can do before your surgery to help it go smoothly and help you heal quickly:

• Your doctor should be informed about all the medication you are taking. Some medications should not be taken before an operation. Others may conflict with other medication your doctor may prescribe.
• Take it easy. Try not to get too tired in the days before and after your operation. Eat right and get proper rest and exercise. Any kind of surgery, no matter how minor, can be stressful.

For most major surgery, blood will be kept in reserve because in most major operations, some blood is lost. If the loss is great enough, blood may be given to replace it. Family and friends with the same blood group as yours can donate blood one or two days before the day of surgery, and this can be held in reserve for you.

Fitness for surgery

Your health history, as well as any drug allergies, will be noted. Some routine tests and exams will be done and you may be asked to have a check-up with a physician and /or the anaesthetist to see if you are fit to undergo surgery.