Preparing for surgery in our new OR

According to a 2013 research report, 232 million surgeries are performed annually worldwide. Regardless of the kind of procedure you are going to have, knowing some basic facts may help ensure a successful operation and rapid recovery.

You will meet with your doctor two weeks before surgery to discuss what will happen during the operation, why the procedure is necessary as well as the risks and benefits of surgery. You will be asked questions related to your health history, including allergies to drugs or foods, previous blood transfusions, or prior problems with anesthesia. Be sure to tell your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking currently because some can interact with anesthesia or cause excessive bleeding during surgery.

• Blood Work: You may need to have blood drawn on more than one occasion before the surgery. A complete blood count (CBC) looks at white cells (infection fighters) and red blood cells that carry oxygen to cells. Other blood tests may look at renal (kidney) function, test for diabetes or measure electrolyte levels. Unusual numbers may mean your surgery has to be postponed. You may need to fast before blood work, so be sure and follow instructions about what and when you should eat before your appointment.
• Urine Test: Laboratory tests of urine may indicate problems with nutrition, dehydration, diabetes or infection.
• Chest X-ray: This test can detect infection in the lungs and lung disease. A chest X-ray also shows the size of your heart and whether fluid is collecting in the lungs.
• Electrocardiogram: An electrocardiogram or EKG looks at your heart’s electrical activity. By examining the EKG strip, your doctor can tell if you’ve ever had a heart attack, how your heart is working and whether your heart is beating normally.

If you are a smoker, stop smoking before your operation to help ensure a faster recovery. If there is a risk of blood loss during surgery and your operation is more than four weeks away, you may be able to store some of your own blood for transfusion. Talk to your doctor about anesthesia options, which will be determined by several factors including the type of operation, your medical history, current health and personal preferences. Remember to make transportation arrangements because you may feel groggy after surgery and cannot drive yourself.

The night before your operation do not eat, drink, chew or suck on any food after midnight. Do not drink any alcoholic beverage within 24 hours of your procedure. You also may be asked to shower and scrub the designated incision area with a special disinfecting soap.

On the day of your surgery, leave all jewelry and valuables at home. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that fits easily over a bandaged area. Remove all facial makeup and nail polish, as well as wigs, hairpins, barrettes or combs. Before surgery you will be asked to remove your glasses or contact lenses, hearing aids and any removable dental devices. If you have body piercings, you will need to remove those as well. You will need to undress and put on a hospital gown.

An intravenous (IV) line may be placed in your arm or wrist to supply your body with medications and fluids during or after surgery. You may be taken to a pre-surgery holding area where one or two family members or friends can accompany you, depending on hospital policy. After being transported to the operating room on a gurney or in a wheelchair you will be moved to the operating table.

Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center recently unveiled its new OR expansion project. Some of the new amenities include:

Ability to accommodate higher acuity, more complex cases in Ortho, Spine, General, and Robotic Services.

Video integration capabilities allowing images to be displaced on large video monitors for all members of the surgical team to view.

New LED surgical lighting for all rooms

Aesthetically, modernized rooms to include equipment and anesthesia booms

Piped in anesthesia gases, nitrogen, co2, electrical outlets and data support in booms eliminating excess cords and clutter.