Tips Before and After Your Surgery

30 Sep Tips Before and After Your Surgery

We want you to be as prepared as possible before your surgery and to know what to expect afterward. Below is a list of tips to keep in mind: The Days Before Your Surgery

• Arrange for someone to care for your dependants, if you have any
• Arrange for someone to drive you home. Taxis are acceptable but you must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Arrange to have your prescriptions filled upon discharge of the hospital.
• If you are going home the day of your surgery and an an anesthesiologist will be involved with your care:
  • Arrange for someone to stay with you overnight for safety reasons.
  • Stock your kitchen with clear liquids such as tea, broth and Jell-O; and full liquids like milk, ice cream and soup.

• Be sure that you are aware of any dietary guidelines in the days before your surgery.
• If you have questions or concerns about your surgery, the type of anesthetic being used, etc, ask your surgeon before the scheduled surgery date.
• If you develop a cold, a sore throat, fever, rash or other symptoms of illness notify your surgeon ASAP.

The Day of Your Surgery

• Be sure that you have follows any instructions you may have received regarding diet and arrival time.
• Do not smoke or chew tobacco.
• Do not wear mascara or other eye makeup, as it may irritate your eyes.
• Remove any nail polish if you will be having surgery on your hands or feet
• Shower with antibacterial soap on the evening before or morning of your surgery.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing which will be easy to put on after surgery.
• Minors who are having surgery must be accompanied by a parent who must stay in the building until the child is discharged home or to a patient room.

What to Bring or Leave At Home

• Please leave all valuables at home including objects such as rings, watches, earrings, and necklaces
• If you need them, bring inhalers or eye drops, but leave all other medications at home.
• Bring a list of any medications, vitamins, supplements or herbal products with dosages and scheduled times.
• If you are staying overnight bring your any pertinent paperwork, glasses, contact lens cases, robe, slippers, hearing aide, toiletries, and reading or writing materials if desired.

What to Expect When You Arrive for Surgery

• You will meet with a patient service representative who will escort you to the preoperative area where a nurse will prepare you for surgery.
• The anesthesiologist will speak to you and your family, if they are present.
• If your family is present, then can wait in the lobby during your surgery. The surgeon will speak with them after the surgery is complete.
• Once you have recovered from the anesthesia you will be reunited with your family.
• If you are an inpatient your family will be informed of your room number and the time that they may visit you.

What to Expect When Going Home If you are staying overnight:

• Before discharge, a nurse will review your medication plan and provide you and your family with written and verbal instructions on how to care for you at home.
• Though we will try to discharge you as early in the day as possible, the amount of time it takes to be discharged can vary depending on the complexity of your discharge orders.

Tips for After Your Surgery

• If your surgery requires anesthesia we recommend advancing your diet slowly. Start with clear liquids such as Jell-O, tea and broth, and then advance to full liquids such as milk products. Then, if tolerated, move to regular food.
• Avoid making important decisions or signing important papers within the first 24hrs after surgery.

For more information on which surgeries Western Surgery Centre offers, and how you can prepare for yours, visit our website or call us at 204-947-9322.