It's normal to feel a little nervous and anxious as the day of your surgery approaches. You may have many questions in your mind, such as 'What will happen inside?', 'Will it hurt?', 'Will everything go well?' But if you know exactly what's going to happen, that fear can be greatly reduced. So today, let's talk about what happens on the day of your surgery, from start to finish.
What happens after going to the hospital?
You will usually be told to come to the hospital
about two hours before the operation begins. When you arrive, a nurse will meet you and help you prepare for the operation. You will need to talk to the medical team about your medical history and the medications you are taking. Your surgical team will also talk to you about the operation. Before you go into the operating room, you will need to put on a special gown provided by the hospital. The nurse will remind you to remove any jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, rings, glasses, contact lenses, or
hearing aids. A nurse will then check your
heart rate, temperature, blood pressure, and pulse rate . Sometimes the surgeon may mark the area on your body where the operation will be performed with a pen. Next, an
IV line , or "
saline " as we call it, will be placed in a vein in your arm. This is to make it easier to give you the fluids and medications you need during the operation. When it's time for the operation, you'll be taken to the operating room on a stretcher.
A whole team of doctors and nurses work together to ensure your operation is successful. The people on this team may vary slightly depending on the type of operation you are having, but these are usually the same people.
| Team Member | Their Role |
|---|
| Surgeon | The team leader. He/she is the one who performs the operation. They have completed at least 5 years of specialist training in addition to 4 years of medical school training and have passed national examinations. |
| Anesthesiologist | The specialist doctor who gives you the necessary medication (anesthesia) to ensure you don't feel any pain during the operation. |
| Nurse Anesthetist | They assist the anesthesiologist and monitor you before, during, and after the operation, ensuring that you receive the correct amount of pain medication. |
| Surgical Tech | The surgeon prepares the necessary equipment and ensures that it is completely sterile. |
| Operating Room Nurse | Assisting the surgeon during the operation, for example, by bringing necessary equipment and supplies. |
Will I feel pain during the operation? - Let's learn about anesthesia
You will be given a medicine called
anesthesia before the operation to make sure you don't feel any pain. The type of anesthesia you will be given will depend on your health condition and the type of operation being performed.
| Anesthesia Type | Description |
|---|
| Local Anesthesia | In this case, only the area where the operation is performed is numb. You are conscious and awake. |
| Regional Anesthesia | A large area of the body, for example below the waist, is numb. |
| IV-monitored sedation | This is given for non-complicated, short surgeries, such as colonoscopy. You will feel a little sleepy. |
| General Anesthesia | This is used during major surgeries. It puts you completely to sleep. It is given through an IV line or by breathing it in through a mask. |
How can I protect myself from infections?
It is very rare for an infection to occur during an operation, because the medical team does everything they can to protect you.
- Before the operation begins, a nurse will clean your skin with an antiseptic solution.
- Maybe you can even remove the hair in that area.
- Then, your body is covered with a special sterile drape, with a small opening just for the operation.
- Doctors and nurses wash their hands thoroughly up to the elbows with antiseptic soap before the operation.
- They all wear masks , special gowns, and gloves.
- Sometimes you may be given antibiotics before the operation to prevent infection.
What are the possible risks after surgery and how to avoid them?
There is always a chance of complications after surgery. But your medical team will do their best to help prevent them. If you are aware, you too can reduce these risks.
The most important thing is to ask your doctor any questions or doubts you may have without fear.
| Risk | How to Prevent It |
|---|
| Medication errors | Tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and supplements). Ask questions about any new medications you may be given after surgery. When the nurse comes to give you the medication, check your ID band to confirm your name. |
| Hospital-associated infections (e.g. MRSA) | MRSA is a serious infection that is resistant to some antibiotics. Make sure everyone who comes into your room (doctors, nurses, family members) washes their hands before touching you. |
| Pneumonia | This condition can occur due to being in bed for a long time after the operation and difficulty breathing deeply due to pain. Try to breathe deeply 10-15 times every hour . If you are a smoker, stop smoking at least 1-2 weeks before the operation. As the doctor says, it is also important to avoid eating and drinking before the operation. |
| Blood clot in the deep vein (Deep Vein Thrombosis - DVT) | This is a blood clot in the veins of the legs. If this clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, it can be life-threatening. As per the doctor's advice, start walking as soon as possible . Use special devices (compression devices) that are placed on the legs. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe medication that prevents blood clots. |
| Bleeding after surgery | Tell your doctor about any over-the-counter pain relievers you take, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, as these can thin the blood. Also, tell your doctor if you have ever had a minor bleed, such as a tooth extraction, in the past. |
Your voice matters too!
Don't be afraid or stay silent when you're in the hospital. You're the one who can help you make the best decisions about your health. If you don't understand something or have any questions, be sure to ask your doctor or nurse. They're here to answer your questions.
Take-Home Message
- Surgery is not a one-person operation, it's a team effort. Trust that you're in safe hands.
- Because of the anesthesia , you will not feel any pain during the operation.
- It is essential to inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins , and even supplements you are taking.
- After surgery, many complications can be prevented by following medical instructions exactly, such as deep breathing and walking .
- Never be afraid to ask questions. You have every right to know about your health.
Surgery, operation, anesthesia, surgery, surgeon, hospital risks, DVT
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