Before and after any surgery, there are some care that are critical, which contribute to the safety of surgery and the well being of the patient. Before carrying out any surgery, it is essential to perform routine exams indicated by the doctor, such as electrocardiograms, for example, assessing general health and contraindications to anesthesia or surgical procedure.
In pre-procedure visits, you should tell your doctor about chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension and about the medicine you use regularly, as they may increase the risk of bleeding during or after surgery, for example.
10 Pre-Surgery Care
Before performing the surgery, in addition to the indications provided by the doctor, it is important to observe the following precautions:
- Talk to your doctor and clarify all your questions and study the specific guidelines of the surgery you will perform, what the surgical procedure will look like, and what care you expect after surgery;
- Tell your doctor about chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension and about medicines used on a day-to-day basis,
- Discontinue the use of aspirin or derivatives, arnica, ginkgo biloba, natural or homeopathic remedies 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery, without doctor's advice;
- Avoid radical or restrictive diets, as they may deprive the body of certain nutrients that contribute to rapid recovery and healing; Bet on a healthy diet rich in healing foods like milk, yogurt, orange and pineapple. Meet other foods with this property in Healing foods;
- Try to ensure that you will have the help of family members or trained professionals during the first few days of recovery after surgery, as it is necessary to rest and avoid making efforts;
- If smoking, stop the addiction 1 month before surgery;
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages within 7 days before surgery;
- The day of surgery should be fasting, and it is recommended to stop eating food or drinks until midnight the day before;
- For the hospital or clinic, you should bring 2 comfortable, button-free, easy-to-wear clothes, underwear, and some personal care products such as toothbrushes and toothpaste. In addition, you must also take all the examinations and necessary documents;
- Do not pass skin creams or lotions on the day of surgery, especially in the area where you will be operated.
Before any surgery, symptoms of fear, insecurity and anxiety appear that are normal because any surgery always has its risks. To reduce fear and anxiety, you should clarify any questions with your doctor and inquire about the potential risks of the procedure.
5 Care After Surgery
After surgery, recovery depends on the type of surgery performed and the response of the body, however there are some care that should be respected as:
- Avoid eating food or liquids, especially in the first 3 to 5 hours after the procedure, as nausea and vomiting due to anesthesia is normal. Food on the day of surgery should be light, opting for teas, crackers and soups, depending on the reaction of the body.
- To rest and to avoid efforts in the first days of recovery, to avoid the rupture of the points and possible complications;
- Respect the days when it is necessary to dress the region and
- Protect the wound making the dressing impermeable, at the time of the bath or when to carry out its personal hygiene;
- Watch for signs of infection or inflammation in the surgery scar, checking for symptoms of swelling, pain, redness or stenching.
When recovery is done at home, it is very important to know exactly how and when to do the dressing and how to feed. In addition, only the doctor can indicate when it is possible to return to physical activity and work, because the time varies according to the type of surgery performed and responds from the body.
In the recovery period, food is also especially important, and the ingestion of sweets, soft drinks, fried foods or sausages, which interfere with blood circulation and wound healing, should be avoided.
See too:
- 5 exercises to breathe better after surgery
