Preoperativ Procedures

Preparing for surgery frequently seems complicated. Patients are given a lengthy list of
things that must be done or avoided before a scheduled operation and frequently forget to
ask for explanations of preoperative procedures because they are preoccupied with the
surgery itself.

Surgery Preparation

Preoperative procedures are designed to improve the outcome of the surgery, decrease the
risk for complications, and make the surgery as safe and effective as possible.

Patients who receive general anesthesia, which renders them unconscious, must refrain
from eating or drinking for at least 8 hours before surgery. Most instructions indicate that
nothing is to be taken by mouth after midnight, on the night before the procedure. It may
seem harsh, not to be able to have a sip of water, but this precaution minimizes the risk
for complications such as vomiting during surgery.

Discontinuing prescription and over-the-counter medications that "thin" the blood, such
as aspirin is necessary prior to surgery. Whether a drug is held or administered is based on
the patient's medical condition, the type of drug, and the scheduled surgical procedure.
Patients who take prescription medications on a regular basis must discuss this with the
surgeon.

Preparation for surgery may begin days before the procedure. Surgeries involving the
digestive system require special drinks, laxatives, and an altered diet. The digestive tract
must be as empty as possible before surgery to prevent leakage of its contents into the
abdominal cavity.

Arrival at the Hospital or Surgical Center

If surgery is being done on an outpatient basis, the patient must arrange for someone to be
with them upon discharge. Even though the anesthesia has worn off, grogginess can last
several hours and it is unsafe to drive. Also, the patient may need assistance when they
get home.

If surgery is being done on an inpatient basis, the patient checks into a room. Most
patients return to their room after surgery, but those undergoing complex surgical
procedures and those who have complications may go to the intensive care unit (ICU).
Outpatients usually go to an area designated for same day surgery.

After arrival, time is needed to prepare the patient for the procedure and sometimes, the
time of surgery is changed due to cancellations or emergencies.

All patients must sign an informed consent form acknowledging that they are aware of
risks and complications, that they know they will be receiving anesthesia, and that the
surgeon has explained the operation to them. The surgery will not proceed unless the
consent form is signed.

Patients are usually asked to remove personal items (e.g., jewelry, eyeglasses,
hairpieces, contact lenses, dentures) before surgery. This policy protects the patient and
prevents the items from being lost or damaged. Depending on the procedure, eyeglasses
or hearing aids may be worn.

Different staff members may ask the same questions. The clerk who checks the patient in
asks several questions, as does the admitting nurse and the anesthesiologist. These
questions may be the same or similar and this may seem tedious, but the information
must be checked and double-checked to avoid errors and omissions.

Before Surgery

The doctor who administers the anesthesia (anesthesiologist) performs a brief physical
examination; takes a patient history; and obtains information regarding medication used
on a regular basis, drug allergies, and prior adverse reactions to anesthesia. This
information helps the anesthesiologist select the most suitable anesthetic agents and
dosages to avoid complications.

Patients are usually taken to a preoperative or holding area before surgery. An

intravenous line (IV) is started here if the patient does not already have one. A sedative
may be given by injection, through the IV, or occasionally, orally, to help the patient
relax.

Publication Review By: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.

Published: 31 Oct 2001

Last Modified: 02 Sep 2015

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surgery.shtml di akses tanggal 03 februari 2016. Pukul 08.46 WIB.