PRESURGICAL CHECKLIST

Presurgical Testing

Initial Consultation

Your pre-surgical assessment begins with an important conversation, often initiated by a phone call from a nurse or healthcare professional. This discussion will cover your medical history and current health status. Expect questions about:

• Medications you’re currently taking
• Known allergies
• Past medical procedures and conditions

This information is crucial for tailoring anesthesia and surgical care to your needs.

Information Gathering and Testing

The medical team may also gather relevant information from your personal physicians. This could include results from previous tests, especially heart-related evaluations, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of your health. Depending on your medical background, you might need to complete additional tests such as:

• Blood work
• Chest X-rays
• CT scans

These tests help the surgical team prepare effectively for your procedure.

Pre-Surgical Instructions

The pre-surgical assessment begins with an important phone call from a nurse practitioner. This call is designed to thoroughly review your medical history, ensuring all necessary information is up-to-date and accurate. Be prepared to discuss your current medications, allergies, and any other health-related details. This comprehensive review helps tailor your anesthesia and surgical care to your specific needs.

The information provided in these interviews becomes extremely important for determining how anesthesia gets administered and what you should do the day before the operation. If scheduled for surgery and receive a call from a local number you do not recognize, please answer it as it may be from a doctor and nurse.

These calls are a crucial step in preparing for your procedure, helping to ensure a safe and effective surgical experience. By answering promptly and providing detailed responses, you contribute to a smoother pre-operative process.
You’ll receive detailed instructions on:

• When to cease eating or drinking before surgery
• Modifications to medication regimens, including any drugs affecting blood clotting or blood pressure
• Designating advance directives and a healthcare proxy

If scheduled for surgery and receive a call from a local number you do not recognize, please answer it as it may be from a doctor and nurse.

Preoperative Guidance

Preparing for surgery involves more than just medical readiness. Practical advice will be given to help ease your recovery at home. Considerations might include:

• Purchasing smaller items that are easier to lift post-surgery
• Renting specialized furniture, such as a recliner, if needed for comfort during recovery

This comprehensive approach ensures you are informed, prepared, and confident as you approach your surgery date.

Understanding Preoperative Coaching and Its Importance

Preoperative coaching is a critical aspect of preparing for surgery that goes beyond medical procedures. It involves personalized guidance and support tailored to a patient’s unique lifestyle needs, helping them transition smoothly from surgery to recovery at home.

Why Is Preoperative Coaching Important?

• Practical Guidance: Preoperative coaching ensures patients receive real-world advice that addresses their everyday challenges post-surgery. For instance, patients are advised to purchase lightweight items like smaller bags of pet food if lifting restrictions apply after procedures such as abdominal surgery.
• Enhanced Recovery: By anticipating needs, such as renting a recliner for comfortable rest following shoulder surgery, patients can optimize their recovery environment, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring better outcomes.
• Personalized Preparation: Each patient receives tailored recommendations based on their specific surgery and personal circumstances, ensuring they know exactly what to expect and how to prepare effectively for both surgery and the ensuing recovery phase.
• Increased Confidence and Peace of Mind: With expert advice and support, patients can face surgery with greater confidence, knowing they are equipped with the knowledge and tools to manage their recovery effectively. This preparation can significantly reduce anxiety and facilitate a smoother transition back to everyday life.

By addressing these critical areas, preoperative coaching plays an essential role in ensuring patients are not just medically ready but also practically and emotionally prepared for what lies ahead.

Two Weeks Prior to Surgery – Schedule Presurgical Testing

Your bloodwork appointment will be set for you.

One Week Prior to Surgery (1 to 7Days Out Depending on the Requirement):

Preregistration and presurgical testing at the hospital, including

• Blood platelet test to determine how your blood clots
• Chest X-ray and EKG if not done recently

Bring the following to the presurgical testing appointment:

All paperwork and orders from your physician

• Insurance cards and photo ID
• A list of your surgeries, hospitalizations, and recent testing
• All medications in the original bottles, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbals, and supplements
• An advance directive (if you have one), such as a living will or durable power of attorney
• Autologous blood donor card, if applicable
• A list of questions that you would like addressed

Daily, Beginning Five Days Prior to Surgery:

• Shower every day, including the day of your surgery, with Hibiclens® antiseptic soap, available over the counter at most pharmacies, drug stores, and grocery stores
• Wash your neck, chest, abdomen, sides, and back
• You may use your regular soap or body wash after using Hibiclens
• NOTE: DO NOT use Hibiclens after surgery; it will stop your wound from healing
• Lightly swab your nostrils twice daily, including the morning of surgery, with Bactroban® antibiotic ointment
• Use of Bactroban ointment has been shown to decrease infections by protecting against MRSA
• You will be provided a prescription for Bactroban; if a pharmacy number is not on file, one will be requested

One Day Prior to Surgery:

• If you have previously completed your preregistration/pre-testing appointment, you will need to visit the hospital for one last blood test with pre-op on the first floor to determine your blood type and provide additional data for the blood bank:
• This test is required to be done the day before surgery

How Can Patients Prepare for Post-Surgery Recovery Based on Lifestyle Considerations?

Preparing for post-surgery recovery involves more than just understanding medical instructions. It’s about adapting your everyday habits to ensure a smooth transition back home. Here are some practical tips to help you get ready:

• Plan for Mobility Limitations: After surgeries like abdominal procedures, lifting heavy objects is often discouraged. Consider purchasing smaller bags of pet food or other household necessities to manage your daily tasks with ease.

• Adjust Sleeping Arrangements: If your procedure requires you to sleep in a particular position, be proactive. For instance, after shoulder surgery, renting or borrowing a recliner can provide the necessary support if you need to sleep sitting up during the initial weeks of recovery.

• Prepare Your Living Space: Rearrange furniture and daily essentials to avoid unnecessary bending or stretching. Having frequently used items within easy reach can prevent strain.

• Stock Up on Convenient Essentials: Consider preparing and freezing meals in advance or keep ready-to-eat options handy to minimize cooking. Also, ensure all medications and supplies are organized and easily accessible.

By taking these steps, you can focus on healing and minimize disruptions to your daily life. Tailoring your home environment and habits according to the post-surgery guidelines will help you recover more comfortably and efficiently.