If you’re planning to have surgery soon, there are some important Pre-Surgery Tips to follow. To reduce your risk of infection, quit smoking. Avoid processed and red meat. Lastly, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before surgery. The last thing you need before your surgery is a scratch or bite. These are just a few of the most important Pre-Surgery Tips! Follow them closely and you’ll be much less likely to have an infection afterwards.
Quitting smoking before surgery
The combination of smoking and surgery isn’t a good one. Smokers have poorer post-surgical outcomes and are more likely to develop wound infections and other complications. While smoking has many health benefits, many people find it difficult to stop before surgery. These people often have to receive intense behavioral support and nicotine replacement therapy to quit the habit. For these patients, quitting smoking before surgery is a great way to reduce the risks of complications.
Surgeons recommend that their patients quit smoking before surgery if they are smokers. Smokers also have poorer outcomes than non-smokers. The smoking-related risks are greater during surgery and patients with a history of smoking are more likely to develop wound infections. The Prevention Program has developed a program to educate patients who are undergoing surgery to quit smoking before surgery. To encourage smokers to quit smoking, the program offers resources, tips, and a virtual support group.
Avoiding bites, scrapes and scratches
One of the most common reasons for a cancelled operation is a skin condition. Although not fatal, it can delay or cancel an operation. A medical provider will prescribe antibiotics and may give a tetanus shot if you haven’t had it in the last five years. Infection can be a serious concern, and antibiotics may be administered via a vein. If the wound is severe, it may require surgery to repair the damage.
It is essential to avoid all risky activities and contact with sharp objects before surgery. Avoid contact with animals and sharp objects, and wear protective clothing. If you do get scratched, clean and treat the wound as soon as possible. In addition, keep the area clean and dry for five to 10 minutes. You can also avoid scarring by taking precautions in advance. The most common mistake is stopping pressure too soon.
Avoiding red meat
Eating less red meat before surgery is a good idea no matter what type of surgical procedure you’re undergoing. It’s important to avoid certain foods because they can increase your risk for anesthetic complications and delay recovery time. These foods are also high in solanaceous glycoalkaloids, which help slow down the breakdown of anesthetic drugs. These foods also delay the release of hormones that cause pain.
It’s a common myth that red meat has negative effects before surgery. However, it’s true that red meat is packed with fat. The saturated fat can make you constipated, which can increase pain and place extra stress on your incision. Instead, opt for lean meat, which contains a higher protein content, which will help your body rebuild cells after surgery. Also, dairy products can cause constipation, so eat them in moderation.
Avoiding processed foods
Whether you are going in for an abdominal surgery, it’s essential to limit your intake of highly processed foods and sugary drinks before your procedure. These foods contain compounds called solanaceous glycoalkaloids, which will slow down the breakdown of anesthetic drugs. Because they take a long time to digest, they can linger in your system. These chemicals may lead to complications during surgery. To prevent these side effects, avoid eating any of these foods before surgery.
Another important food to eat before your surgery is protein. Protein is known as the “building block” of life, and amino acids found in protein-rich foods help your body make new blood and tissue. They also support the immune system. For women, the recommended daily allowance of protein is 46 grams, while men’s RDA is 56 grams. While these are lower than recommended levels, they still provide essential amino acids needed for a healthy diet.
Avoiding high blood pressure medications
While most patients with hypertension are instructed to continue taking their blood pressure medications the night before their surgery, it’s also important to avoid taking certain blood pressure medicines before the procedure. This is especially important for patients with beta blockers, which are often prescribed for the prevention of strokes. The healthcare provider will monitor the patient’s blood pressure before surgery and may adjust the dosage if needed. For this reason, patients with hypertension should refrain from taking any medication containing aspirin for at least seven days prior to surgery. Patients should also avoid some diuretics, as well.
Hypertensive patients may also need to delay elective surgery until their blood pressure falls to 180/110 mm Hg. Because hypertension can cause extreme hypotension or hypertension, it’s best to avoid medications before any procedure. Miller’s Anesthesia recommends delaying elective surgery for patients with hypertension until their blood pressure drops below 180/110 mm Hg. If hypertension is present, doctors will usually delay the surgery until the blood pressure is less than this level.
Avoiding medications that can cause side effects
There are several types of medications that should be avoided before surgery. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, along with supplements and dietary supplements, are among those to be avoided. While acetaminophen is often taken before surgery for minor aches and pains, other products can lead to bleeding problems. Before stopping a blood thinner like aspirin, it is important to speak with a cardiologist.
