3 Smart Tips For Outpatient Surgery

Being prepared for outpatient surgery promotes your peace of mind and accelerates your recovery. Instead of worrying about how your experience will proceed get the facts about both the procedure and your outpatient plan to quell your anxieties.

Follow these 3 smart tips for outpatient surgery.

Make Sure Your Doctor Is in the Know

Give your doctor your full surgical and medical history to make sure everybody’s informed of your specific case. Provide information about dental procedures, anesthesia services and all prior surgeries. Physicians need to know what you’ve experienced in the past to better tailor your outpatient plan to your specific needs. Don’t hide any information. Patiently take your time to recount all procedures to ease your transition to your normal life.

Also share a list of all medications you may be taking with your doctor. Keeping your physician in the know helps to facilitate your recovery. Don’t forget to be honest about whether or not you smoke or drink. Tobacco and alcohol can both have adverse effects on your ability to bounce back from your surgery and anesthesia. The more honest you are the better you will feel in the long run.

Discuss any allergic reactions you may have had to anesthesia in the past. Also explain if any of your family members have had negative reactions to anesthesia or surgical procedures. Your doctor can connect the dots to develop a personalized outpatient plan which facilitates an effective recovery.

Complications Issues

Unfortunately, complications can and do arise at times during or after surgical procedures. Knowing that your physician can handle unforeseen events gives you confidence in their abilities and also fosters your peace of mind. The facility, your health care providerand physicians should all have protocols in place to handle surgery-related emergencies. Review the steps taken to address any complications and to better understand the surgical services offered to you. Employees at the facility should be certified in CPR and other life-saving actions and the facility should have access to emergency transport to speedily bring you to a hospital if you require immediate care.

Post Operation

Who will be providing you with post operative care? Designate a friend or family member to stay at the facility during the surgery. Pick a loved one who can drive you home from the procedure as you won’t be able to drive after being anesthetized and undergoing a potentially painful surgery. Ask how much time you’ll spend at the facility after surgery and delve into your specific action plan for recovery.

Once you’re discharged from the facility you should have a list of what you should and should not be doing on a daily basis to promote your recovery. Make sure your surgery buddy picks up any medications you need post surgery before you go home. Since you may be a bit groggy after surgery ensure that your loved one is present when your outpatient plan is discussed so you understand all the instructions being shared.  You also need to know who to speak to if you have any problems after being discharged from the facility.