Before Surgery

Laboratory Work
There will be blood and urine specimens collected on admission or prior to surgery if your doctor has not already sent the reports in.

Skin Preparation
The hair in the area around the incision will be clipped or shaved off. A bath or shower is taken the evening before or in the morning prior to the surgery. Avoid using bath oils or body creams.

Enema
An enema or suppository may be given to cleanse the lower bowel the evening before surgery.

Visit from Anaesthetist
The anaesthetist may see you at the time of surgery. He/She will want to know about your previous surgeries and allergies before making the decision on how to put you to sleep for surgery. A sleeping pill may be ordered which you are encouraged to take to be sure you have a restful night. A pill or an injection may be given prior to surgery. The anaesthetist will answer any questions you have about anaesthetics.

Visit from Operating Room Nurse
The nurse from the Operating Room may visit you to explain the procedure.

Exercises
Moving around in bed, changing your position frequently rather than lying completely still, will help you be up and about much quicker. The nurse will help you sit up the day of surgery, and as necessary.  You need to do the following exercises. Practise them before surgery so you will be able to do them after surgery.

You will need to do these exercises until you are back to your usual pre surgery activities:

Deep breathing and coughing
Breathing and coughing exercises are important because secretions may collect in your lungs during surgery. By taking deep breaths you loosen the secretions from your lungs and can cough them up.

• Get into a comfortable position.
• You will have to support your incision by putting your hands or a pillow over the dressing.
• Take a deep breath in and blow it out.
• Take another deep breath and hold it, and cough while supporting your incision with your hands or pillow.

Leg exercises
These exercises will promote circulation after surgery.

• Slowly, push the toes of both feet toward the foot of the bed. Relax both feet. Slowly, pull toes toward the chin. Relax both feet.
• Slowly, circle both ankles first to the right, then to the left. Repeat three times. Relax.
• Bend each knee alternately, sliding foot up along the bed. Relax. Avoid crossing your legs as this prevents blood from circulating through your legs and to your toes.

Smoking
It is wise for cigarette smokers not to smoke during the time in the hospital. Smoking irritates the lungs and will cause chest problems after surgery.