Preparation for Surgery

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Surgery

Having surgery can be a scary event, both for the individual undergoing the procedure and for the patient's friends and family. Arming yourself with information about the surgery before it happens can help settle your nerves. Figure out what to expect from a specific procedure, how to select a doctor and hospital, how to prepare your home, and where to seek support.

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Surgery Basics

If you or a friend or family member is exploring the idea of surgery, you probably have many ... read more »

Choosing a Surgeon and Hospital

Choosing a surgeon and medical facility that you're comfortable with is a critical decision after ... read more »

Preparation for Surgery

Your doctor, of course, will always be your best source of medical advice, but the Web also contains some helpful advice you can use to prepare for surgery and the recovery process. You can't call your doctor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but you can consult the Web anytime. Having the information available can help put you at ease in the meantime.

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If you know in advance that you'll be having surgery, your doctor will likely give you a specific set of instructions to prepare for that procedure. The sites here can help you understand what preparation and recovery might entail.

In some cases, you may have a choice about what type of anesthetic you'd like during surgery. The sites below can help explain the differences in types of anesthetics, but not all of these choices are suitable for every patient. Involve your doctor in your decision about anesthesia; he or she can help you find a good balance between what you want and what is medically appropriate for you.

Have a latex allergy? The surgeon may need to use different supplies during your surgery. The American Academy of Family Physicians has published an article about what latex is and what you should do if you have an allergy. The patient information handout lists support groups and informative resources for people with latex allergies.

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For preparation advice ...

The Medical Reporter presents "Preparing for Surgery," an article written by Dr. Michael K. Murphy, a board-certified osteopathic family physician. The article discusses some of the steps you can take to prepare your body for surgery, as well as getting family members, friends, and your home surgery-ready.

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The Arthritis Foundation features a "Joint Surgery Center" with a list of helpful questions to ask your doctor before and after surgery, along with advice on how to prepare for surgery and what to expect during recovery. Much of the advice is specific to arthritis patients but can be applied to people preparing for other surgeries as well.

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For information about anesthesia ...

The American Society of Anesthesiologists offers information for both anesthesiologists and patients preparing for surgery. The "Patient Education" and "Patient Safety" tabs will likely be the most beneficial to you in learning about anesthesia and safety issues related to its use.

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Memorial Hospital of Pennsylvania offers "Your Guide To Having Surgery and Anesthesia," which addresses questions and concerns you may have before surgery and provides a comprehensive list of the different types of anesthesia with links to more information.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists

’ "For Patients" page contains information about what anesthesia does, the various types of anesthesia available, and questions you should ask about anesthesia.

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