Pre-Op Procedures: What's Important to Take Note?

 Hey everyone!

NANA is back again and today we'll be looking at what you can do before your surgery to better prepare yourself!

Credit: verywellhealth.com on Pinterest

Pre-Operative Procedures

1. 10-hour Fast

Unfortunately you would have to fast for 10 hours before your appointed surgery time. This is because anesthetics are being used. When anesthetics are used, your body's reflexes will be temporarily stopped. If there is food or water in your stomach, there is a risk of you throwing it up during the surgery.

2. No medication for 24 hours prior.

This is once again due to the anesthesia. Some medications might react with the anesthesia and cause an undesirable result within your body. To ensure that this does not happen, please do make sure you don't take any medication 24 hours prior to your surgery. If you do need to take any special medication, please do let your doctors know well before the surgery.

3. Supplements and vitamins are not permitted 3~4 days before surgery

Supplements and vitamins last longer in your body, therefore in order to ensure that there is none left in your system, 3~4 days is required.

4. Remove all gel or polish on your nails & toenails.

During the surgery, the doctors and nurses keep track of your vitals through a machine that clamps around your fingers or toes. With nail gel or polish present, this might disrupt the machine and cause inaccurate readings, so be careful!

5. No jewelry or metal / accessory on your body & underwear.

Jewelry or any sort of accessory increases the risk of surgical burning from the equipment used in the surgery. There will be equipment that uses electricity and thus with metal accessories, the electrical pulses are more likely to be conducted and burn you. 

6. Wear loose clothing

This should not come as a surprise to anyone! After your surgery, you do not want tight fitting clothes to suffocate you, especially when swelling will happen as well. So remember to wear loose clothing to keep yourself comfortable and to let your body breathe!

These are some of the more important factors that you will need to take note before your surgery. Hope this will help you prepare for your surgery a little better. Till next time!

Regards,

NANA