Surgery On The Go!

by Susan Taylor CRNA

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Have your insurance information and related paperwork completed well in advance.
  3. Disclose all medications you take including herbal medicines and vitamins.
  4. Pellentesque quis elit non lectus gravida blandit.
  5. Discuss with your CRNA dietary restrictions. Typically, patients are asked to refrain from food and drink for eight hours prior to the procedure.
  6. Arrange for transportation. Regardless of how minor your surgery may be, you should not drive for twenty-four hours after your surgery.
  7. 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.
  8. 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:

  1. Wear comfortable clothing.
  2. Do not wear jewelry or cosmetics.
  3. Bring your insurance information.
  4. Do not bring valuables or money.
  5. 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.
  6. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Plan to rest. Do not go back to work and do not work around the house.
  3. 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.
  4. Monitor your health—if you become nauseous, develop a fever, or experience excessive bleeding, contact your surgeon immediately.
  5. If you are on medication, find out prior to the surgery how soon into your recovery you can resume taking your medicine.
  6. 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. served outpatients and inpatients for the Pinnacle Health System in Harrisburg, PA. Humes was past president of the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA). The Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists is an organization that promotes responsible, ethical, and prudent health care practices to benefit Pennsylvania patients in matters of anesthesia. The hallmark of nurse anesthesia is patient safety. Over 3,000 CRNAs practice in the state of Pennsylvania, consistently administering safe, high quality anesthesia care.