The lead-up to surgery can be a daunting experience, but being as prepared as possible helps to ensure your surgery goes well and without problems.
Outpatient, or day surgery, is typically for minor surgical procedures, where patients can leave the same day and don’t require an overnight stay following their procedure. Inpatient surgery is required for complex surgeries and involves a patient staying in the hospital for one or more nights after surgery. This is so patients can be closely monitored afterward and receive any necessary follow-up treatment to assist in their recovery and avoid any complications.
How To Prepare for Outpatient Surgery
Preparing for outpatient surgery will depend partly on the type of surgical procedure you have, what type of anesthetic you will be given, and other factors such as your overall health.
You will receive clear instructions on how to prepare for your surgery at your initial consultation with your surgeon. Here, they will go through your personal and family medical history to determine whether you are a good candidate for surgery. They will also discuss what you can expect from your procedure, the aftercare, and what your recovery will be like.
There may be some preparations leading up to your procedure, such as regarding medications, which may need to be stopped in advance to prevent complications. Ensure you notify your surgeon and healthcare team about any prescription and nonprescription medications or supplements you are taking at your initial consultation.
If you have any questions or concerns, make sure you discuss these with your healthcare team well in advance to avoid any problems on the day of your procedure.
What Can I Expect On The Day of Surgery?
You will be advised what time you should arrive on the day of surgery, which is typically 1-2 hours before the procedure.
It is important to have an empty stomach before any surgery requiring anesthesia to reduce complications. This is because when an anesthetic is used, your body’s reflexes are stopped temporarily, which can cause vomiting or aspiration (where food enters the airway or lungs) if you have food in your stomach. Normally, patients are asked not to eat for 8 hours or have to drink clear liquids for 2 hours prior to surgery. For example, if your surgery is in the morning, you will usually be asked to not have anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure. For afternoon surgery, you can usually eat or drink up to approximately 5 am on the morning of your procedure. Your healthcare team will advise you on what time you can eat and drink before your surgery.
If you feel unwell on the day, or days leading up to your surgery, you should notify the hospital as soon as possible, as your surgery may need to be rescheduled to a later date to reduce the chance of complications. You may also be required to take a COVID test 24-48 hours before your procedure.
You will need to remove the following items prior to surgery:
- All jewelry
- Nail polish and acrylic nails
- Make-up
- Wigs and hair pieces
- Contact lenses
- Dental or mouth appliances
- Body piercings
If you are unable to remove a piece of jewelry or piercing, ensure you discuss this with your healthcare team before surgery. If you are on your period, you should not wear a tampon – wear a pad instead.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and, depending on the type of surgery you have, you may want to consider a top with a button front to make changing easier afterward. You will probably a hospital gown for the procedure.
You will meet with your surgeon and anesthesiologist before your procedure to discuss your surgery, surgical risks, and the type of anesthesia you will have. A member of your healthcare team will carry out pre-operative checks such as your blood pressure, temperature, and pulse. Most hospitals also require women to take a urine pregnancy test at the hospital before surgery.
After all the pre-op tests, you will be taken to the operating room for your surgery. Following surgery, you will recover in a recovery room, where you will be closely monitored by your healthcare team. After the anesthesia wears off and your vitals are normal, your team will discuss discharging you and provide at-home care instructions.
Outpatient Surgery in Ringgold County
If you require an outpatient surgical procedure and are looking for high-quality, compassionate care, visit Ringgold County Hospital. Our hospital is fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology and an expert team of healthcare providers who offer both inpatient and outpatient surgical care. Our surgeons provide skilled care throughout all procedures and specialize in many types of surgery, including general, laparoscopic, vascular, orthopedic, podiatric, and much more.
At Ringgold County Hospital, we believe everyone deserves access to the high-quality health care services they need, close to home. That’s why our health care providers offer a comprehensive range of medical services to keep you and your family healthy. To learn more about our surgical services, call us at (641) 464-4427.
