Preparing for surgery is a crucial step toward a positive recovery experience, whether it's your first or tenth procedure. From minimally invasive to major operations, each type of surgery requires careful surgical planning and consideration. You’ll want to prepare in advance by asking the appropriate questions, addressing emotional needs, readying your home, and making arrangements for those who depend on you, such as your pets and kids.
Understanding Your Surgical Procedure
The first step before setting your surgical date is arming yourself with the knowledge to make an informed decision about the type of surgery you will be undergoing. Understanding what the surgeon plans to do and how this will benefit your condition is essential. Equally crucial is knowing the risks and benefits associated with the procedure. Remember to find out how long it will take for you to resume your normal daily activities so that you can plan accordingly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Mayo Clinic offer online resources for patients to learn about their medical condition, preoperative care, and surgical recovery plans.
Many people are flooded with questions beforehand. Yet, when it comes time to meet the doctor, they draw a blank. It’s a good habit to write down your questions and bring your notebook to ensure they are answered. Consider the following preoperative care questions:
Will I need any medications after the procedure?
Will I have any drains or tubes?
Will I need any special items to care for my surgical site?
Are all the healthcare professionals involved in my case (anesthesia, radiology, pathology, surgery) approved by my insurance?
Preparing for Surgery
Surgery involves preparation on three fronts: physical, emotional, and mental.
Preparing Mentally and Emotionally
Address your fears and anxieties to find the best strategies to cope. Maintain a positive mindset and visualize the best results. If difficult times are on the horizon, you may benefit from leaning on the support of loved ones. Coping strategies that you may find useful include the following:
Asking others for help
Engaging in problem-solving
Expressing distressing emotions
Viewing coping as a process rather than an end result
Offering yourself grace and flexibility
Preparing Physically
Reading the pre-surgery instructions your surgeon provides beforehand is essential. You may be required to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, a few days before the operation. Additionally, you are required to stop eating and drinking hours before your procedure. This time is most commonly at midnight but varies depending on what time the procedure occurs. Remember to leave valuables at home, including jewelry, and wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Making Pre-Surgery Arrangements
On the day of your operation, you’ll likely want someone to drive you to the hospital or surgery center. Due to the sedation and pain medications, you’ll be unable to drive yourself home, even if it is a minimally invasive procedure (such as a colonoscopy).
In addition to arranging transportation, you’ll want to make arrangements for childcare, pet and plant care, and your work. Giving advance notice to your employer will help them prepare for how long you’ll be out. Also, in case there is a complication, you’ll want to have a backup plan for your kids and pets.
Prepping Your Home for Recovery
If you’re having a major operation, such as a hip replacement, your doctor will likely arrange for your durable medical equipment (DME) ahead of time. Ensure the items are in your possession, set up, and ready to go. If you receive a bedside commode, place it in your intended location before leaving (such as by your bed or over the toilet). If you will need a walker, wheelchair, or cane, ensure those items are in your possession. Your mobility will likely be affected, so you’ll need your DME as you recover.
Another thing you should consider is special supplies, such as wound dressings or medications. Have your prescriptions filled in advance so you have at least a week’s supply after you get home. Preparing meals in advance will save you much-needed energy when it’s time to eat.
Additionally, decide on the best area in your home for a comfortable recovery space. If you think you’ll need a footrest, put it in the location you will be using it. Will you need extra pillow support? Grab the pillows from the closet ahead of time.
Postoperative Care and Recovery
There are a few considerations you’ll want to address when you get home:
Pain control
Bowel management
Rest and movement
Wound care
Home health
Physical therapy
You may not need all these services, but if you do, it’s a good idea to have them in place ahead of time.
If you are going to need physical therapy, set up your first visit in advance per the therapy office’s scheduling system. If you have chronic pain, ensure your pain medications are filled, and you have a week’s supply on hand. If you use alternative pain management systems, such as a heat pad, ensure those are ready.
Preparation before surgery can be the guiding light to a positive experience. Doing your part can help you feel ready and confident. Remember to get all your questions answered beforehand and prepare physically and mentally to ensure your greatest success.
Sources
American College of Surgeons. (n.d.) Questions to ask before having an operation. Retrieved, April 19th, 2024, from https://www.facs.org/for-patients/surgery-faq/10-questions/
Cleveland Clinic. (2020, November 24). Stress: Coping with life’s stressors. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/6392-stress-coping-with-lifes-stressors
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). General guidelines to help you prepare for surgery. Retrieved, April 20th, 2024, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/surgery/locations/guidelines-for-surgery
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
Image source:
Unsplash. (2017). Surgery. https://unsplash.com/s/photos/surgery
Written by Becca Isaacson, BSN, RN
Becca Isaacson, BSN, RN, is a freelance writer and Registered Nurse. She uses her nursing experience and knowledge to write insightful articles about health and wellness. Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board