The prospect of surgery is fearful and dubious. However, it doesn't have to be such a stressful experience if you prepare well for it. Learn how to prepare for surgery, what formalities are needed and what to take to the hospital.

A pass to the hospital isa referral to the hospital from a primary care physician , but a surgeon who attends a hospital clinic or consultation point is eligible for the operation. With the referral and up-to-date examinations, go to the facility where you want to be treated. It can be any hospital, because zoning is no longer required. During the qualifying visit, the doctor will examine you, ask about your ailments, diseases, medications, operations, reaction to anesthesia. Often the anesthesiologist participates in the initial interview. Finally, you will receive referrals for the tests that must be done before admission to the ward (your doctor will tell you where these can be done). You will also learn when to report to the hospital for surgery (sometimes the hospital will notify you by phone).

Get vaccinated before surgery

A stay in hospital increases the risk of contracting hepatitis B. Therefore, vaccination is required. They are performed in three administrations: the second one month after the first and the third six months after the first. You can come for the procedure 2 weeks after the second dose. If you are vaccinated before 10 years, you must have a blood test for antibodies and, if necessary, have a booster vaccine. Unfortunately, vaccination against hepatitis B (implantable jaundice) is not reimbursed.

Do the required tests before the operation

Routinely, before the operation, basic laboratory tests should be performed (but no later than one month before the planned procedure): blood count, ESR, general urine test, determination of blood group, electrolyte level and coagulation tests (prothrombin index, platelets, INR).

Besides, you need a chest X-ray (last year) and an EKG (last month if you are over forty). If you have kidney problems, you will need to have your kidneys checked, if you have a bad thyroid, check your thyroid hormone levels.

A certificate from the primary care physician on chronic diseases and medications is also required. This is a tip foran anaesthesiologist, what anesthesia to use and what medications to administer during the surgery to avoid complications. You may also need the consent of a specialist, e.g. an endocrinologist, to perform the procedure under general anesthesia or a consultation with a dentist, ENT specialist or gynecologist.

Before the surgery, inflammation should be eliminated (any surgical intervention weakens the body and may activate inflammation), and equalize the level of hormones and arterial hypertension. Before some spine surgeries, a hip replacement, the muscles should be strengthened.

Before performing a test, e.g. a colonoscopy, ask your doctor which of the available laxatives you should take.

Write a list of your medications

Tell the doctor at the hospital about all medications you take. Your information can be crucial! If you are undergoing treatment by several specialists, it is best to ask them to write down your medications and doses. Based on this, the anesthesiologist will decide which of them you can take, which will need to be changed, and which should be discontinued for a while. If you need to take the drug continuously (e.g. for high blood pressure) and you are not allowed to swallow tablets before surgery, you will either be given a long-acting oral or injection drug beforehand. Don't take anything on your own. Herbal medications can also be dangerous. And a single intake of aspirin can disrupt the functioning of the circulatory system for 2-3 days.

Go on an easily digestible diet

Many treatments are performed on a one-day basis (you go to the hospital in the morning and go out in the evening). Then, on the eve of the operation, eat only lightly digestible foods. Avoid eating fried, fatty, legumes, raw vegetables and fruits. Better to give up dinner. In some abdominal operations, a strict diet is required for up to several days. You usually need to fast on an empty stomach on the day of surgery. The doctor may order a laxative, which must be taken in the evening of the day before the treatment.

Determine the type of anesthesia with your doctor

The anaesthesiologist will inform you about the type of measure that will be used during the surgery (it depends on the state of he alth and the type of surgery). General anesthesia consists of intravenous injection of hypnotics and muscle relaxants, and then inserting a tube connected to the apparatus into the respiratory tract, which pumps oxygen and gases to maintain sleep into the lungs. Under local (conduction) anesthesia, the nerves responsible for the feeling of pain are disabled (blocked), the patient does not lose consciousness, at most he "falls asleep". It happens, however, that during the procedure under local anesthesia, full anesthesia must be applied, e.g. due tothe need to extend the scope of operations.

You must do it

Take with you to hospital

  • referral for surgery and all test results
  • ID card or other identity document
  • proof of insurance, e.g. insurance card (stamp is valid for a month), last ZUS RMUA report, pensioner ID
  • pajamas, bathrobe, slippers, towel, toiletries, tissues
  • still water in a bottle with a dispenser

Operation method

The surgeon decides how the procedure is to be performed. Easier operations are increasingly being done with a laparoscope. This method is less invasive than the traditional method, and also does not leave large scars. It helps you get into shape faster. In this way, for example, the gallbladder, stones from the kidney ducts, some fibroids are removed.

How long will you stay in hospital after surgery

The attending physician decides about leaving the hospital, taking into account the state of he alth and well-being. So don't be surprised if you have to stay there longer than you thought. Believe that no one will keep you in the hospital unnecessarily. As a goodbye, you will receive an excerpt, prescriptions, information on diet and lifestyle, and time off from work. You will know when you are to come for the suture removal and check-up. Remember to clarify all doubts with your doctor to avoid helplessness when you return home.

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