A guide to what happens before, during, and after surgery

It's natural to feel a bit anxious as the day of your surgery approaches. Knowing what to expect from your surgical experience can help you feel more at ease.

Presurgical testing

Before your operation, your surgeon may order some presurgical tests to ensure your safety during surgery and identify any health risks that may complicate the procedure. Some common presurgical tests include:

• Blood tests such as a complete blood count, blood sugar, and kidney or liver function
• Chest X-ray to check lung health
  
• Electrocardiogram to check heart health

Additional testing may be needed depending on your age, overall health, and the type of surgery you're having.

About anesthesia

If you're receiving anesthesia, your care team will discuss it with you during pre-surgery testing or at a pre-surgery appointment with your anesthesiologist or surgeon. There are four main types of anesthesia:

1. General anesthesia is medication that puts you to sleep and keeps you pain free throughout your procedure.
2. Local anesthesia numbs a small part of the body.
3. Regional anesthesia is medication that numbs the part of the body being operated on, including spinal, epidural, or nerve blocks. You remain awake with regional anesthesia, but you may choose to receive sedation to help you relax.
4. Sedation helps you feel relaxed, and you may doze off during your procedure.

Preparing for surgery

A little advance planning helps ensure your surgical procedure and recovery go as smoothly as possible. Steps to consider:

• Arrange to have someone drive you home after your surgery.
• Ask your care team about any limitations you may face after your surgery and when you can expect to return to work and your usual activities.
• Prepare your home to make it easier to get around and get the rest you need while you recover.

On the day of your surgery, it's important to follow all instructions, which may include:

• Take a bath or shower and brush your teeth. Do not apply deodorant, lotion, or makeup.
• If you must take medicine before surgery, do so with a small sip of water.
• Do not smoke, eat, or drink anything after midnight.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Leave all valuables at home.
• Remove all jewelry including piercings.
• Do not wear contact lenses; bring a case for your glasses.
• You will be asked to remove any dentures, hearing aids, or hairpieces.
• If you develop a cold, fever, or other illness, contact your care team in case they want to reschedule.

Surgery day check-in

You will need to complete a check-in process before going to the surgical area. The check-in staff will give you clothing to wear and place an ID bracelet on your wrist. You will also be asked to sign consent forms and discuss payment for your procedure. To make check-in easier, be sure to bring your:

• Health insurance card
• Photo ID
• Health history (list of past medical problems)
• Allergy information (list all substances known to cause allergic reactions, including foods, drugs, and skin irritants)
  
• Previous surgeries (what type and when)
• Medication information (names and dosages of all prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you are currently taking)

During surgery

The surgical area includes a preoperative room outside the operating room. Here, you will be asked to confirm your name and the type of surgery you are having. Your care team will check your vital signs including blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate, and insert an IV line (flexible tube placed in a vein to deliver medications), usually in your hand or arm. You may be given medication to help you relax.

In the operating room, your care team will perform a number of safety checks, drape all areas of your body except for the surgical site, and clean the area to be operated on. Your care team may include nurses, surgical assistants, and other clinicians, in addition to your anesthesiologist and surgeon.

When all is ready, your anesthesiologist will give you the anesthesia medication. Your surgeon will perform the operation with the assistance of your surgical care team. The time it takes to complete the procedure depends on the type and complexity of surgery. After the procedure is complete, your anesthesiologist will give you medication to reverse the anesthesia.

After surgery

After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room. You may feel groggy or sleepy as you slowly wake up from the anesthesia. Nurses will carefully monitor your vital signs, including blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate. How long you stay in recovery depends on what surgery was performed, how quickly you wake up from anesthesia, and the stability of your vital signs.

If you're staying in the hospital after surgery, you will be transferred to your room. There, your care team will continue to monitor your vital signs, check your pain level, give medications as needed, and provide something to eat or drink when allowed by your surgeon.

If you are having outpatient surgery, you'll be discharged as soon as your care team determines you are ready. Your care team will schedule a follow-up appointment with your provider or surgeon, and you will receive instructions on how to care for yourself at home.

Connect with our team of surgical professionals at Reid Health.