How to Prepare for Surgery
Monday, March 30th, 2020
How to Prepare for Surgery
If your condition worsens or does not improve with medication, your healthcare provider may recommend that you undergo surgery.
Most surgical procedures require some preparation on your part. Depending on the type of procedure you are having, this may be done days or weeks before your scheduled surgery.
Randy Smith, Director of the Premier Surgery Center in Knoxville, offers the following tips to get you prepared before your surgery:
Don’t hesitate to ask questions
At the Premier Surgery Center, all surgical patients are scheduled for a clinic visit a few days before the surgery. This clinic visit covers pre-surgery education in which our surgical staff will walk you through what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.Take this opportunity to ask questions about any concerns or get clarification on any part of the surgery you’re unsure about. Premier Surgical takes pride in being customer-oriented and we want you to be comfortable during your procedure.
Bring your medications for review
During your in-clinic visit, you and your surgeon will review all the medications that you’re taking. You may need to stop taking some of the medicines days before your surgery or you may receive special instructions if you are taking routine medications such as insulin or blood thinners.
Quit smoking
Many of our patients are smokers and we highly encourage them to stop smoking days before their surgery.Smoking increases your chance of surgery-related complications such as poor wound healing and infections. Although quitting smoking 3 to 4 weeks before your surgery is wonderful, quitting even days before can make a difference.
Shower or bathe before surgery
Your skin is not sterile and by showering or bathing, you can help reduce the chance of germs getting into your skin during surgery.Your surgeon may recommend that you shower with a special soap called chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG). This is available in liquid form and is available in most pharmacies.It may be suggested that you take three (3) CHG showers – one is two days before surgery, second is the day before surgery, and the last one is on the morning of your surgery.
Have someone with you
Whether it’s a friend or family member, it’s important to have someone with you during the clinic visits and during/after the surgery.During the clinic visit, the other person can help you remember the things discussed with your provider, including preparations at-home for your recovery.It’s also required to have someone with you after the surgery to drive you home. By law, you are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of medication.
Following these tips can help you be more prepared for your surgery. If you have questions or if you’d like to talk to one of our surgical staff, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Visit https://www.premiersurgicalsurgerycenter.com/.
The Premier Surgery Center is located at 6408 Papermill Drive in Knoxville, TN. It is part of Premier Surgical Associates.
