Introduction
According to Dr Richard Nahas, surgery can be an intimidating experience. It comes with a few risks and that’s why you need to be prepared to increase the odds of success. Let’s check out the things you can do when preparing for surgery.
The Discussion
- Do a lot of research – Try to learn as much as you can about your surgery. Use online resources, meet your medical team, and talk to your surgeon and other experts who are assigned to manage your care and comfort during the surgery. Ask them questions about everything without leaving any doubts on the table. Enquire about the risks, post-surgery recovery time and complications and other questions you may have.
- Anesthesiologist – Whether you’re having surgery at a hospital or an outpatient facility, make sure that the anaesthesia care is led by an anesthesiologist. An anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in pain management, critical care, and anaesthesia and works actively with your surgeon to administer anaesthesia. Regular protocol dictates that your anesthesiologist meets with you before the surgery, monitors your vital functions during the surgery and assists you in recovery after the procedure is over.
- Work out if possible – In certain cases, working out before the surgery may not be possible. However, in most cases, getting fit and being in good shape helps minimize the risks during surgery. That’s why a lot of patients also choose to delay their procedure by a few weeks. Stop smoking, consuming alcohol or taking any stimulant that suppresses your immune system. Ditch fast food and eat healthy as much as possible and work out every day. Get as active as possible before the surgery so that your body doesn’t have a hard time during and after the surgery.
- Risk of blood clots – Some surgeries increase the odds of a dangerous blood clot. The condition is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The clot can flow back to different organs and cut off blood flow. If you smoke or have a history of clots, you may be exposed to these risks. Being overweight and older may also increase the risks. Discuss these risks with your physician and surgeon.
- Avoid nasty financial surprises – Before the surgery, make sure that your insurance plan covers the expenses so that you don’t get any nasty surprises. You’ll get an unexpected medical bill if you have loops in the insurance premium. For instance, your insurance premium may be low since it covers fewer physicians. Ask who would be involved in your insurer’s plan network and verify it by calling your insurance company. Make sure you get care from professionals and at facilities that are part of your insurer’s network.
Conclusion
Dr Richard Nahas suggests that you use the above-mentioned tips as a guideline and do your own research before the surgery. Every surgery comes with different risks. Research and prepare for those risks and make sure you know about the surgeon’s expertise and the facility’s protocols and practices.
