Surgery
People have surgery for a multitude of reasons. But the most common reason is to repair an injury, for example if you've broken a bone, or you may want to have surgery to relieve numbness caused by a herniated disc. You may require an appendectomy or need a biopsy.
Whatever your need, most minor surgeries can be done the same day, even in your doctor's office. Preparing for minor surgery takes only a few hours. Major surgery is still done in a hospital operating room. Unless your need is emergent your surgery could take days or even weeks to prepare for.
Before your surgery, you will undergo a preoperative exam that will include blood work, an EKG (electro cardio gram) and x-rays. These are all preventative measures to make sure that you don't have any underlying health issues and to prevent problems during the surgery itself.
Before your surgery you will visit with your surgeon in his office. You make a list of all the questions that you have concerning your surgery so that you can ask them. Your surgeon will explain why you need the surgery, what it will entail, the risks and the outcome, and how long your recovery period will be. Don't be afraid to talk to the surgeon about your fears and worries that pertain to the surgery. You can also ask if there are any other options for your problem besides surgery.
A preadmission testing nurse will provide you with a list of instructions that will help you prepare for the day of your surgery. When you arrive at the hospital for your surgery you will be asked to sign a surgery consent form as well as a form that identifies the correct body part for surgery. This information will help to assist the surgery team as they prepare you for surgery.
A few things you can expect from your nurse before your surgery
• Check your name, birth date and signed consent form
• Your nurse will also check the correct body are for your surgery and answer any last minute questions
• Take your vitals which include: temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen level
• Verify that you haven't had anything to eat or drink for the length of time that your surgeon stipulated
• Check your medical record for allergies and ask you if there are any new allergies that need to be added
After your surgery you will be taken to the postoperative or recovery room where nurses will take care of you and observe you for 1 to 4 hours. If you aren't allowed to go home, you will be moved to a hospital room and the postop nurse will give written instructions to the nurse who will be taking over your care. Your surgeon will also provide the nurse with any special instructions or needs that you may have.
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