Many people with a chronic illness have to have surgery at one time or another. As someone who has been both a nurse and a patient, I understand both perspectives. Below is a guide of what to expect when having an operation. It is a general guide and is not specific to particular operations.

Preparing for surgery

·        Do I need to go without food and drink before hand? Because of the anaesthetic, regardless of what is being operated on a patient is always required to have no food or drink prior. There is a risk of aspiration (see definition below) during an operation, having nothing in your stomach prevents this risk. Take this seriously, make a mental note of when you have your last food and drink, the admitting nurse will ask you this, it must be an honest answer.

Aspiration – “The accidental sucking in of food particles or fluids into the lungs.”

http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=2369

·        What about medications? Usually it’s a good idea to take medications as normal, unless it’s a medication such as aspirin or warfarin, or any medication that increases the risk of bleeding. Check with your doctor what medications can or cannot be taken on the day of surgery. Medications that increase the risk of bleeding will need to be stopped up to a week prior. Diabetic medications should still be taken but only half the normal dose; again check with your doctor what should be done in your individual case.

·        What about herbs and supplements? You must tell your doctor if you are taking any of these, some herbs and supplements can interfere with other medications, and can increase the risk of bleeding. Do not assume because it’s natural it’s safe.

·        I’ve been asked to take a bowel prep medication, what does this mean? A bowel prep is done prior to bowel surgery, or sometimes when areas close by are being operated on for better visibility, such as during laparoscopes. They are meant to empty out your bowel, it’s not a pleasant experience, be sure to be close to a toilet once you take it, and keep your fluids up. Sometimes a special diet needs to be adhered to prior to taking the prep, instructions for this will be provided if this is the case.

On the Day

·        Generally you’re expected to be there around 2hrs before; you should bring any appropriate scans such as x-rays with you if they relate to the surgery.

·        The admitting nurse will take your blood pressure, weight, pulse, temperature. The nurse may want a urine sample to test as well, not much is required for a test so there is no need to ensure a full bladder, however don’t empty your bladder just before admission, there will be a chance to do so once you’ve seen the admitting nurse.

·        Tell the nurse if you have any allergies or have had a previous reaction to anaesthetic. It is also a good idea to tell the nurse if you are currently or have recently been sick.

·        Is there a risk you are pregnant? If there is any risk at all, tell them. A pregnancy test prior is simple and quick.

·        You will be expected to wear a hospital gown. There have been some improvements and many hospitals have gowns that can be tied across the back, ask the nurse for help tying it if you are unsure how to do so. It’s nice to keep your dignity and the nurse can help you do that by tying it correctly.

·        Can I wear underwear? Yes, sometimes, it depends on the operation and the hospital policy. The admitting nurse should specify this, but check if you are unsure. If your operation is on your shoulder wearing underwear should be ok if the hospital allows it, however a hysterectomy or a curette will obviously require you to remove your underwear.

·        What then? It’s time to wait, make sure your personal belongings are secure somewhere, if possible give them to whoever dropped you off at the hospital rather than leave them with hospital staff. There should be facilities to keep belongings in during your procedure, but they may not be locked, and unfortunately even hospitals have thieves.

·        The anaesthetist will see you before the operation, sometimes it will be in the waiting area, other times you won’t see them until you’re just about to go in to theater. Once in theater, many questions you have already answered will be asked again, be patient and answer the questions, repeated questions are better than errors. Your IV cannula (for medications and fluids to be administered directly into your veins) will be inserted just prior to entering the operating theater.

·        In the theater you may be nervous, or afraid, it’s perfectly normal to feel this way. You may feel uncomfortable with the thought of being exposed to strangers, be assured that the staff see what their doing as a job, they see many people throughout the day, for them they are seeing a body part that needs operating on. Fears of what will be found are normal, it may help to tell the staff what you are feeling as they get you ready, theater staff can provide reassurance and this may help.