How To Prepare Yourself For Surgery

Surgery is performed to correct a problem or make you feel better, whether you’re having a mole removed or a knee replaced, a hernia repaired or a heart valve replaced.

Your procedure might be performed in the hospital, at an outpatient surgery center or even in your doctor’s office. Whatever type of surgery you’re having and wherever you have it, you most likely will be given some type of anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Planning ahead for surgery and anesthesia can help ensure a successful procedure and smooth recovery. The Preparing for Surgery: An Anesthesia Checklist will help ensure your access to safe, high-quality care. See the checklist below so as to help you prepare for surgery.

GETTING READY FOR SURGERY

1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK.

• Are your physicians qualifed?

• Is the facility licensed and accredited and are emergency procedures in place?

• Avoid surprise medical bills: ask who will be involved in your care and whether they’re in your health insurance plan’s network.

2. GET HEALTHY.

• Be as active as you can, eat right, and get good sleep.

• Stop smoking as soon as possible, even if you stop just days before the surgery.

TALKING TO YOUR PHYSICIAN

. 1. FIND OUT WHO WILL PROVIDE THE ANAESTHESIA.

• Be sure your anesthesia care is led by a physician anesthesiologist.

2. TALK WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN ANESTHESIOLOGIST AND DISCUSS:

• Your health and medications.

• Your use of recreational or illicit drugs.

• Your experience with anesthesia.

• Your fears.

• Your questions.

• Your recovery.

PREPARING FOR THE DAY OF THE SURGERY

As the day of the surgery arrives, plan to:

1. FOLLOW PRE-SURGERY DIRECTIONS AND DIET.

2. BRING A FRIEND.

3. WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHING.

4. MUSTER COURAGE AND CONFIDENCE