If your condition worsens or does not improve with medication, your healthcare provider may recommend that you undergo surgery.
Most surgical procedures require some preparation on your part. Depending on the type of procedure you are having, this may be done days or weeks before your scheduled surgery.
Randy Smith, Director of the Premier Surgery Center in Knoxville, offers the following tips to get you prepared before your surgery:
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions
At the Premier Surgery Center, all surgical patients are scheduled for a clinic visit a few days before the surgery. This clinic visit covers pre-surgery education in which our surgical staff walks you through what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.
Take this opportunity to ask questions about any concerns or get clarification on any part of the surgery you’re unsure about. Premier Surgical takes pride in being customer-oriented and we want you to be comfortable during your procedure. - Bring your medications for review
During your in-clinic visit, you and your provider will review all the medications that you’re taking. You may need to stop taking some of the medicines days before your surgery or you may receive special instructions if you are taking routine medications such as insulin or blood thinners.
- Quit smoking
Many of our vascular patients are smokers so we highly encourage them to stop smoking days before their surgery.
Smoking increases your chance of surgery-related complications such as poor wound healing and infections.
Although quitting smoking 3 to 4 weeks before your surgery is wonderful, quitting even days before can make a difference.
- Shower or bathe before surgery
Your skin is not sterile and by showering or bathing, you can help reduce the chance of germs getting into your skin during surgery.
You will need to shower with a special soap called chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG). This is available in liquid form and is available in most pharmacies.
It may be recommended that you take three (3) CHG showers – one is two days before surgery, second is the day before surgery, and the last one is on the morning of your surgery.
- Have someone with you
Whether it’s a friend or family member, it’s important to have someone with you during the clinic visits and during/after the surgery.
During the clinic visit, the other person can help you remember the things discussed with your provider, including preparations at-home for your recovery.
It’s also necessary to have someone with you after the surgery to drive you home. By law, you are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of medication.
Following these tips can help you be more prepared for your surgery. If you have questions or if you’d like to talk to one of our surgical staff, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can learn more about the Premier Surgery Center at https://www.premiersurgerypackages.com/.
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