Preparation
before Surgery
Most
people are usually not aware of certain important procedures to be
followed while undergoing surgery; consequently, most of the time
they are not fully ready and prepared for it.
So in case you have been scheduled for surgery, here are some important
points to know, which will facilitate the process.
|
| 1. |
Before
Surgery You Need to fill out some forms: |
| |
| A |
a
surgical consent
an anesthesia consent ( Please do read carefully the explanation
on the back. ) |
| B |
The
patients need to be
- 20 years or older to fill out the above forms
- 16 years or older and married to fill out the above forms |
| C |
Patients
under 20 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must accompany
the patient to sign the surgical consent |
|
| 2. |
Preparations
before Surgery: |
| |
| A |
a
Few days before surgery, eat plain meals or light meals rather
than the usual ones. Meet psychiatrist and social workers and
get an introductory briefing on the care unit division. |
| B |
On
the night before surgery, after 8 p.m., visits to the microscopic
reconstruction intensive care unit. |
| C |
For
your safety, do not eat or drink after midnight prior to surgery.
Eating or drinking during this time may result in your surgery
being cancelled as the food might cause vomiting, infection
and pneumonia. |
| D |
Remove
all the accessories or jewelry such as contact lenses, glasses,
hair clips, earrings, rings, watches, etc. Movable false teeth,
artificial eyes, nail polish and your underwear should also
be removed. And do not bring money or items of value with you
to surgery, as we are not responsible for lost valuables. |
| E |
On
the day of the surgery, an intravenous set will be inserted
on the patient's wrist or forearm to allow fluids into the body
and avoid the danger of dehydration. |
| F |
Before
receiving the intravenous set, please remove your underwear
and change into a hospital gown. ( with the open side in the
back ) |
| G |
While
you are getting ready for surgery, a nurse will take your temperature,
blood pressure and pulse after that remember to go to the bathroom
to empty the bladder. |
|
| 3. |
How to get to the inpatient surgery area: |
| |
When
the scheduled time approaches, patients will be taken to the Medical
Building, which is on the 2nd floor in the blue building, by a specially-assigned
staff. |
| 4. |
Methods of anesthesia during surgery: |
| |
An
anesthesiologist will meet with you at this time and you may receive
either of these :
| A |
Local
Anesthesia
anesthetize to the areas prior to undergoing surgery, you will
be still conscious. |
| B |
General
Anesthesia
you will be given a general form of anesthesia by injection
through the IV insertion or by inhaling anesthetic, you will
not longer be conscious. |
|
| 5. |
Generally
after surgery you will be taken to the reconstructive surgery intensive
care unit for a 24- hour observation, after that with the doctor's
inspection and approval you will be ready to be transferred to your
assigned room in the ordinary care unit to continue the follow up
treatment. |
| |
| A |
During
the first three days, you will be lying flat in bed. Your back
will be curved with a pillow under the knees ( can either lie
on the right or left side ), and you will be on a urinary catheter;
the flap will be monitored by experienced nursing stuff every
1-2 hours. |
| B |
During the first four days after surgery, you will be under
the personal care of Dr. Ming-Huei Cheng. He will be the one
to adjust the height in the head side of the bed since staff
are not allowed to adjust the height which can affect blood
circulation in the vein. |
| C |
Every
four hours, your vital signs, blood pressure, and the color
and temperature of the flap will be monitored and recorded on
the nursing journal. |
| D |
Note the quantity, color and way of fixation of the vacuum ball. |
| E |
Whenever
any abnormal signs appear (blood pressure dropping, panting
breathing, changes in the flap), they must be reported to the
duty chief resident on duty and Dr. Ming-Huei Cheng so to ensure
immediate care. |
| F |
After
seven days you can begin rehabilitation treatment with the doctor's
approval |
|
| 6. |
How to handle after surgery pain: |
| |
| A |
To
distract yourself, try an engaging activity, like reading books
or newspapers, and chatting. |
| B |
To relieve pain, the staff will administer you oral or injectable
pain-killers. |
| C |
At
your own expense, you can ask the anesthesiologist to perform
a painless anesthesia on the affected area. |
|
| 7. |
While
staying in bed after surgery: |
| |
The
patients need to change postures frequently, it is recommended every
two hours. Take deep breaths and cough, this should be accompanied
by patting on the back to prevent any lung-related complications,
such as pneumonia. While coughing, remember to press the abdomen with
either hands or a pillow as pain could become worse when coughing. |
| 8. |
After surgery with the doctor's approval, it is recommended that all
patients should get off from bed as early as possible; this will guarantee
a quick and healthy recovery. |
| 9. |
Follow
the instructions of the nursing staff: |
| |
| A |
To
reduce swelling and relieve pain and discomfort on the surgical
areas, level up the arm of the affected side |
| B |
Instruction on how to use bed urinal. |
| C |
To
maintain the position of the flap, pressing by adhering bandage
to the wounds to keep it in place. |
| D |
No
pressing on the areas where the blood vessels are connected. |
|
| 10. |
It
is important not to neglect your personal hygiene; it helps improve
your comfort and cheerfulness. |
| 11. |
What
are the patients allowed to eat after surgery? |
| |
Foods
rich in Vitamin C and high protein (such as meat, egg white, vegetables
and fruits), will help the healing of the wound and enhance the body
resistance to illness. |
