Children off to school by seven…call garage at nine to
schedule oil change…surgery at ten…call hairstylist at three…
Surgery at ten?!
Lately, surgery on the go has become more common than
inpatient surgery. Technically called ambulatory surgery, outpatient surgery
has increased about 90% over the past decade.
Thanks to the advancement of medicine and technology, many
surgeries that once required overnight hospital stays are now performed on an
outpatient basis. This cost effective approach has been widely embraced by
those who wish to recover in the privacy of their own homes rather than the
unfamiliar and lonely hospital room.
Though outpatient surgery is commonplace and convenient,
proper preparation for the procedure should be just as thorough as if one were
preparing for an inpatient stay. Proper preparation includes three phases:
pre-operation, day of surgery, and post-operation.
Following are some tips that will make your outpatient
surgery experience less burdensome and stressful:
PRE-OPERATIVE PREPARATIONS
Proper planning for all three stages—pre-operative, day of
surgery, and post-operative— need to begin during pre-operative stage. There is
a lot of planning involved, but careful preparation is always the first step to
quick recovery. Should you need additional assistance, your Certified
Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), who will be your anesthesia provider,
should be available to help you plan around your procedure.
Follow this checklist and you will have a head start on
your big day:
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Determine exactly
where your surgery will take place. Surgeries are sometimes scheduled in your
physician’s facility, but more often in hospitals or outpatient surgical
centers.
Ø
Have your insurance
information and related paperwork completed well in advance.
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Disclose all
medications you take including herbal medicines and vitamins.
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Discuss with your CRNA
dietary restrictions. Typically, patients are asked to refrain from food and
drink for eight hours prior to the procedure.
Ø
Arrange for
transportation. Regardless of how minor your surgery may be, you should not
drive for twenty-four hours after your surgery.
Ø
Keep the phone number
of your surgical site handy for the unexpected. For example, if you become sick
the day before the procedure, you will need to reschedule.
Ø
Arrange a tour of the
site within a week of your procedure if possible. Becoming familiar with the
facilities will help you be more relaxed on the day of your surgery.
DAY OF SURGERY
Outpatient surgical centers are usually buzzing with
activity. To ensure that all your questions are answered and your pre-operative
needs are met, plan to arrive an hour-and-a-half before your procedure is
scheduled to begin. Your CRNA should be able to meet with you prior to your
operation to assist you with any last minute concerns.
Here
are some other tips to help ensure your day is as relaxing as possible:
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Wear comfortable
clothing.
Ø
Do not wear jewelry or
cosmetics.
Ø
Bring your insurance
information.
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Do not bring valuables
or money.
Ø
Bring the outpatient
surgical facility’s number with you in case you are late or held up in traffic.
However, be warned that being late might cause your surgery to be rescheduled
for another day.
Ø
Follow all
pre-op instructions! And just as importantly—ask your CRNA to explain any
instructions you don’t understand.
POST-OPERATIVE CARE
Depending upon the nature of your surgery, you may expect
to recover at the outpatient surgical facility up to three hours after your
procedure. Check with your CRNA ahead of time to determine if this will be
necessary.
However, the biggest bonus for outpatient surgery is that
you can recover privately at home. Even if you are required to remain at the
outpatient surgical facility for a few hours, you should be able to enjoy the
comfort of your own bed later that night.
Things to keep in mind as you begin your recovery include:
Ø
Although the standard
time to refrain from driving after surgery is twenty-four hours, ask your CRNA
if you should wait a day or two longer.
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Plan to rest. Do not
go back to work and do not work around the house.
Ø
Have someone assigned
to take care of you. You might be a little lightheaded in the hours after your
recovery begins, so have someone on hand who can cook for you and take care of
other needs that may arise.
Ø
Monitor your health—if
you become nauseous, develop a fever, or experience excessive bleeding, contact
your surgeon immediately.
Ø
If you are on
medication, find out prior to the surgery how soon into your recovery you can
resume taking your medicine.
Ø
Children bounce back
much sooner than adults. If your child has just undergone surgery, be careful
to follow your CRNA’s advice on recovery. Though the child may feel ready to go
out and play a few hours after the surgery, it might be best if he or she
remains in bed rest for a day or two.
Having fears and uncertainties are normal for those who
are about to undergo surgery whether as an outpatient or inpatient. Following
these tips will help make your experience less stressful, and for many, more
relaxing. Feel free to contact your CRNA at anytime prior to your surgery. He
or she will be happy to help you understand and manage your outpatient surgical
experience.
Sue Humes, CRNA, B.S.
serves outpatients and inpatients for the Pinnacle Health System in Harrisburg,
PA. Humes is past president of the