Depending on the type of surgery, age, gender, and other related issues, you have to take several steps to feel comfortable and safe. Careful preparation for operation and anesthesia can ensure a successful procedure and smooth recovery.

A. Preparation checklist for adult's surgery

What should you do to prepare for surgery?

There are a variety of points that you should consider before getting surgery to feel as relaxed and confident as possible. Some of the major ones are explained below:

Qualification of Physicians 

- must be informed about the physicians' experiences especially about performing the specific procedure you desire to make sure that they are knowledgeable and qualified enough in the related medical field.

Licensed and Accredited Facility and in-Place Emergency Procedures

- you are going to have a surgery at an outpatient facility or your doctor's office, you should check if it's licensed and appropriately accredited by related organizations. In addition, medications, facilities, procedures, and equipment should exist in place to control emergencies, especially when there is no hospital nearby.

Anesthesia 

- Anesthesiologists are experts in anesthesia, critical care medicine, and pain management. They cooperate with your surgeon and other physicians to develop and administrate your anesthesia care plan successfully. 

- During operation, your anesthesia, and vital functions during the procedure will be closely monitored to ensure that your recovery process will be completed smoothly and the potential pain is managed. Thus, anesthesia care must be led by a trusted anesthesiologist.

Be as healthy as you can 

- The surgery, you should eat nutritious foods, get good sleep, and be as active as you can. Since smoking can cause problems with breathing and usually slows recovery from anesthesia and the operation, you have to stop smoking immediately, even if it's just a day or two before surgery. By setting an appointment with your medical team, including the anesthesiologist, you will be thoroughly informed of other steps.

Be aware of surprising medical bills

- Improving your health and safety are at the top of your priority list, it's essential to make sure that the insurance coverage is in order before undergoing the operation. In this case, you won't have to pay unexpected bills. 

What do anesthesiologists need to know about you?

- To the surgery, you should meet your anesthesiologist and surgeon to discuss your medical history, health habits, and experiences with other operations. At the end of the meeting, they will set the right anesthesia care plan for you, considering your concerns, problems, and overall condition. 

Your health habits and medications

- To achieve your favorable results, you should talk to your anesthesiologist in advance about everything related to your health, such as allergies, asthma, or other lung issues, heart and kidney diseases, diabetes, or any other medical problems. It is also necessary to tell your doctor whether you snore or have other sleeping disorders since they might be symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, which may make surgery and anesthesia harmful. Making a list of every prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you consume is highly recommended. You may have to stop taking some of them for a while before and after the operation.

Photo by Ibrahim Boran on Unsplash.com

Alcohol or recreational drugs consumption

- Usage of recreational drugs such as alcohol, narcotics, marijuana, and stimulants must be discussed before the surgery. The main reason is that all these substances might affect your reaction to anesthesia and the type and amount you'll need.

Your experience with anesthesia

- The anesthesiologist must know whether you or one of your family members has had an adverse reaction to anesthesia or pain medication. It is essential to make them aware of any anesthesia side effects you've had even if they happened years ago. 

Donating blood may be needed

- In case you need a blood transfusion during operation, you might be able to donate blood and store it at least four weeks before the operation.

Your fears

- It's normal to feel afraid of operation and anesthesia. Talk about your concern to your anesthesiologist in advance to receive the necessary pieces of information for easing your mind and feeling much safer.

Your questions

- remembering everything you hear is challenging, patients are recommended to write their questions in a list and jot down the answers. 

The Recovery Process

- The anesthesiologist continues taking care of you after performing the surgery, so you can ask about the steps that should be followed for controlling the probable pain. You can also talk about all your concerns about the recovery process, returning home, and getting back to your routine life.

What should you plan right before the day of the procedure?

Follow the pre-surgery diet and directions 

- You may be told not to eat or drink after midnight before your procedure unless you're having local anesthesia. The primary reason is that the liquid or food in your stomach may get into your lungs while you're under sedation or general anesthesia. You don't need to worry about it because the risk is so rare. By the way, your anesthesiologist will inform you of the necessary instructions that must be followed. Depending on your problem and overall condition, you might be free to drink clear liquids and take your regular medications.

Ask someone to help you

- You are not allowed to drive after having the operation or take pain medication; it's better to ask one of your friends or family members to take you home. You may need a little help going around for the first evening. Thus, a responsible adult should stay overnight with you at home.

Wear comfortable clothes

- Your surgery affects your movement, bring or wear soft and loose-fitting clothing that is easy to put on and take off. Your body may be swollen or sore because of the operation or you might have bulky bandages over your incisions. Leave valuables and jewelry at home.

Stock Your Pantry and Freezer

- Make sure you have plenty of healthy food and drinks in your house before undergoing the operation. In this case, you won't have to worry about shopping during the recovery process. If you don't have enough time, ask friends or family members to help out.

Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash.com

Change your Lifestyle 

- Healthy habits are often better able to manage surgery. Before the operation, you will be informed of what you should do to get into better shape afterward. If you prepare yourself both physically and mentally, you're likely to have a quicker recovery, less pain, and fewer complications.

B. Preparation checklist for kids' surgery

Every year, millions of children have surgery, but that might cause a little discomfort to you if your child is one of them. It is natural to feel anxious, but the preparation of your kid will help ensure that s/he is healthy and safe while every single detail of the procedure is under control.

Who will provide anesthesia for your kid?

- Your child is undergoing an operation with anesthesia. You might feel nervous about what will happen. The best thing you might do to alleviate the probable stress is making sure that an experienced anesthesiologist does your kid's anesthesia care. These experts discuss with you and the members of the medical team to generate the best anesthesia care plan regarding your child's problem and overall health.

What will the anesthesiologists do?

- Anesthesiologists fully understand that children are often afraid of medical operations and procedures. Therefore, they will talk to physicians and nurses, your child, and you before, during, and after the surgery to ensure your child's comfort and try their best to calm fears. They will also determine the most suitable type of anesthesia and the best technique for using it. Moreover, you will be informed about your child's experience during surgery, recovery process, and potential side effects. They will ask about your child's health and medical history of your family to check the medications your child takes, conditions such as asthma or allergies, and predict any problem your kid may face afterward.

- The surgery, the anesthesiologist will keep your child comfortable and pain-free by providing medications. The changes in heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure will be closely monitored throughout the entire operation. Adjustments in the anesthesia will also be made if necessary to help keep your child safe and comfortable.

Talk to your child before the operation

- Fear of the unknown is often worse than reality. Being honest about what will happen and explaining the surgery can help the child feel better. The medical team will tell you the information you should provide considering your child's age and ability to understand. 

Your child should know that the hospital or clinic won't be like home

- Some centers help children to become familiar with the environment and have professional staff who are specialized in explaining things to children by providing tours. It is good to ask about the availability of facilities and entertaining stuff as well, like videos and books. 

- Kids take cues from their parents; the role you play is so significant. If you're confident and calm, your child is more likely to feel relaxed as well.

- Don't forget to bring your child's favorite and familiar objects from home, such as books, a favorite stuffed animal, or a blanket. Let your child help you pack the necessary stuff. 

Photo by Piron Guillaume on Unsplash.com

Explain the anesthesia to your child

- Before the surgery, you can assure the kids that they won't feel anything during the operation since they will have a nap after taking some medicine provided by a specialized physician.

- Explain that everything goes well since many physicians and nurses will be there to control the procedure. They should know that having an upset stomach or feeling some pain is probable. However, there is nothing to worry about these issues because physicians and nurses will provide medicine to lessen the pain. Your child must be ensured that you will be nearby the entire time.

What will happen after the operation?

- Some kids regain consciousness from anesthesia and are fully alert right away, others are groggy for a few hours. Nausea and vomiting may happen at times. Once the procedure is over, the anesthesiologist will determine the safest and most effective method to control your child's pain. It could include medication given by IV injection with a pump, mouth, or injection of local anesthetics around nerves.

In short, you can feel sure that the operation will be performed most effectively if you follow all these steps in advance carefully.