How to Prepare for Surgery

Given the stress of surgery, you may neglect to plan for it properly.
There’s a lot you can do to make sure your operation and recovery go
as smoothly as possible. Much of this information can be applied to
preparations for chemotherapy treatments as well.

Preoperative measures

Step 1

Learn as much as possible about your surgical procedure. Have your doctor explain exactly what the surgical process is and why surgery is necessary. Get a second opinion if you haven’t already. Some people get queasy discussing surgery, but many find that they relax as they gain information. If your doctor is not willing to take the time to discuss the procedure with you, find another one. There’s a wealth of information online that will help you ask the right questions.

Step 2

Be sure you understand all the risks and benefits of your surgery, as well as potential risks if you choose not to have the procedure done.

Step 3

Discuss timing issues with your doctor: Do you need surgery in the immediate future or can you safely wait a few weeks? How difficult is it to get a surgery date? Assess your work and family schedule, and determine what is the most favorable period given your other commitments.

Step 4

Bring someone with you to presurgical appointments to take notes. If this is impossible, bring a portable tape recorder. You’ll hear a lot of information in a very short time, and it can be hard to digest and remember all the medical terms.

Step 5

Ask for preoperative and postdischarge checklists and other materials in writing at this time. Get postoperative prescriptions filled ahead of surgery so you won’t have to wait at the pharmacy or send someone out. (And you won’t risk having the medication be unavailable.) Taking care of meds now will also give you time to work out any insurance copay issues. Buy dressings, ointments or gauze, and rent special equipment (hospital bed, wheelchair) ahead of time too.

Step 6

Call your health insurance company. Be sure that your operation is covered and preauthorized, and that you’re following all the procedures required by the insurance company. You don’t want a surprise bill to come in the mail.

Step 7

Collect information about expected recovery time from your doctor, and from friends who have had similar procedures. Visualize life during your recuperation. Will you be able to get around your house and office by yourself or will you need to line up help? Will you be able to drive? Be sure to factor in the effect of medications that may make driving unsafe and possibly illegal.

Step 8

Hire help if necessary. Ask your insurance provider if your treatments or conditions qualify you to have in-home care covered. Set up help with child care and housework as well.

Step 9

Be realistic about how much energy and enthusiasm you will have following surgery. You may not be in the mood for dinner dates, a new work assignment or even movies for a while. Set up and enforce visiting hours (or ask your spouse or friend to act as enforcer) so you can get needed rest.

Step 10

Make arrangements for a ride to and from the hospital, since any surgery requiring anesthesia will render you unable to drive yourself home. Line up a few helpers to be available during your first few days after surgery. You may also need help running errands, picking up prescriptions and driving to follow-up appointments.

Step 11

Choose one trusted person to help you make medical decisions. Listening to a committee of family and friends is likely to be stressful and confusing.

Step 12

Know your rehabilitation and physical therapy plan ahead of time. Commit to following it. Slacking off on your rehab is the surest way to have a botched recovery.

Step 13

Have your financial affairs, your will and all legal documents in good order in case the worst happens. Ask your doctor or a patient advocate at the hospital if you need to complete a durable power of attorney for health-care decisions. See 244 Make a Will and 245 Execute a Power of Attorney.

General precautions

Step 1

Identify yourself by name to your surgeon. This helps ensure that no mistakes are made about your identity and why you’re there.

Step 2

Mark your surgery site with an indelible pen. Many hospitals follow this procedure and will ask you to do this as you enter surgery. For example, if the operation is to occur on your left knee, mark a large X on that knee, or follow the surgeon’s instructions.

Step 3

Inform the surgical staff completely about medications you are already taking, including nonprescription drugs, herbal supplements, vitamins and the dosages. Also inform them of any allergies. See 289 Organize Medical Records.

Step 4

Have someone stay at the hospital during your surgery. He or she can phone your family and friends as needed, collect information for you and watch your belongings.

Step 5

Do not let the hospital send you home if you don’t feel ready. Ask for help from the patient advocate if you feel pressured.

Tips & Warnings