Before Your Surgery: How to Prepare
What care might you need before surgery?
Before surgery, you may have an exam or tests. These tests are to make sure that surgery isn't likely to be too hard on you. The tests may include:
- Blood tests.
- Urine tests.
- Blood clotting tests.
You may also be scheduled for other tests if your surgeon thinks you need them before your surgery. These may include X-rays or an electrocardiogram (EKG).
Your surgeon may want to include other doctors in your care, depending on your other medical conditions. For example, if you have heart problems, your surgeon may discuss your care with a cardiologist.
If you know before surgery that you might need a blood transfusion during your surgery, you may wish to donate your own blood. This has to be done several weeks before your surgery.
What will your surgeon want to know before surgery?
Your surgeon will want to know about any concerns you have before the surgery. Your surgeon will explain why surgery is needed, what it will involve, what its risks and expected outcomes are, and how long it will take to recover.
Tell your surgeon about any surgery you've had. Include your recovery period and any problems.
Describe any health problems you have, such as:
- Diabetes.
- Heart problems.
- Lung problems.
- Sleep apnea.
- Asthma.
- Any allergies to foods, substances, anesthetics, or medicines.
- Any bleeding problems or use of a blood thinner.
- A recent cold, flu, or fever.
- Metal implants or fragments in your body.
Tell your doctor about any tobacco, alcohol, drugs, medicines, vitamins, and supplements you use. These may affect your reaction to anesthesia or pain medicines.
Tell your surgeon if you are or might be pregnant.
You may also be asked to fill out a form with questions about your past and current health.
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