The preparation for a scheduled surgical procedure is a crucial and delicate step that is often underestimated.
There are multiple main reasons that should lead us to consider a proactive approach towards this practice.
First and foremost, adequate preparation is important to ensure the safety of the patient and optimize their physical condition. The patient should be informed and actively involved in the decision-making process, helped to psychologically prepare for such an important step.
Adopting this series of behaviors can help reduce risks, improve surgical outcomes, and promote a rapid postoperative recovery.
What tests to do?
A first step that the patient must take to prepare for surgery is to undergo a series of tests, in order to ensure the best possible health status and avoid unpleasant surprises that could affect the success of the intervention.
A list of some recommended clinical tests could include:
- Blood tests: they provide the doctor with important information regarding the functionality of the main organs and therefore the patient’s health status;
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): can help identify heart pathologies or anomalies that need to be addressed before an anesthesiological procedure;
- Chest X-ray: serves to highlight any lung and mediastinal problems that could interfere with both anesthesia and the entire course of the operation;
- Urinalysis: useful for identifying not only kidney, but also metabolic, and hepatic pathologies;
- Targeted analysis based on particular pathologies: useful to rule out any issues that could negatively impact the intervention.
The WHO Guidelines for Surgery
In addition to this series of tests required of the patient to adequately prepare for the intervention, the WHO has provided a checklist to ensure safety in the operating room containing 19 guidelines to follow.
The Italian Ministry of Health has integrated within these guidelines an additional check to be carried out to confirm the plan for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis.
This list of items serves to establish the patient’s suitability and the initiation of the operation, as well as a thorough check of the medical team that will enter the operating room and be responsible for the success of the surgical procedure.
Behaviors to adopt
Consulting the primary care physician is an excellent opportunity to assess with a professional the suspension of some medications or to receive medical advice on specific behaviors to adopt based on one’s medical history.
Other useful ways to best prepare for surgery may include: choosing a healthy and balanced diet, not smoking, and discontinuing the use of cosmetics. Additionally, the patient will be asked not to consume food and water after midnight on the day of the operation.
At MiniHospital “Sandro Pertini,” we offer the opportunity to undergo targeted and comprehensive check-ups to best prepare for surgery. For more information, please contact.