What is the difference between outpatient surgery and inpatient surgery?
Outpatient surgery, also called ambulatory or same-day surgery, does not require an overnight stay in hospital, which means you can go home the same day if your condition is stable. You will need someone to drive you home. Outpatient surgery can take place in a hospital, a doctor's office, a surgical centre or a clinic. Inpatient surgery is carried out in hospital and requires an overnight stay.
Which health care professionals will be involved in my surgery?
The gynecologist leads a team of health care professionals who work together to care for you before, during and after your operation. Nurses assist your doctor during the surgery, carry out specific tasks and help to keep you comfortable. An assistant may help during your operation. The anesthesiologist is the person responsible for giving the anesthesia and monitoring its effects.
What can I do to make sure my surgery goes smoothly?
If you smoke, try to stop before the operation. General anesthesia affects the normal working of your lungs. If you take medication, ask whether you should continue taking it before or after the operation. Make sure your doctor knows about every medicine you take, including prescribed ones and those bought without a prescription, such as vitamins, herbal remedies or other supplements. Follow a special diet before the operation if your doctor recommends one. If you have diabetes, controlling your glucose levels before surgery can improve your recovery.
What does a preoperative assessment involve?
One or two weeks before the operation you may need a physical examination and tests, which may include laboratory blood and urine tests, a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram. An electrocardiogram is a test of heart function using an instrument that prints the results as a graph.
What preparation may be needed before the operation?
Depending on the type of surgery, your doctor may want you to take a laxative and to eat lightly. Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before the operation. You may also be asked to use an enema at home one or two days before certain types of surgery.
What should I do on the day of surgery?
Remove any nail polish or acrylic nails and do not wear make-up. All jewellery normally has to be taken off before the operation. If you are staying overnight in hospital, bring only what you need, including a case for glasses, contact lenses or dentures. Before the operation you will be given an identification bracelet with your name, date of birth and your doctor's name. You should be ready to give information about your medical history and to report any allergies to medicines, foods or latex (some surgical gloves are made of latex). You will also be asked about the medicines you take.
What preparation takes place just before the operation?
First you will change out of your clothes into a hospital gown and perhaps a cap. Steps may be taken to prevent deep vein thrombosis: you may be given special stockings to wear, or inflatable devices may be placed on your legs, and you may be given medication to reduce the risk. You will then be taken to an area to wait until the surgical team is ready for you. Your doctor or the team will confirm your name, date of birth and the type of operation before you go into the operating theatre. If the operation is to be on one side of your body, the area may be marked with a special pen. An anesthesiologist will discuss the type of anesthesia you will have during the operation. A tube called an intravenous (IV) line may be placed in a vein in your arm or wrist. This line is used to give your body fluids, medicines or blood during and after the operation. You may be given medication to help you relax, and other medicines your doctor has requested, such as antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
What happens once I am in the operating theatre?
Once you are taken into the operating theatre you will be moved onto the operating table. Monitors will be attached to various parts of your body to measure your pulse, oxygen levels and blood pressure. The surgical team may again ask your name, your date of birth and the operation you are having. A final review of your medical records and test results may be made. If you are having general anesthesia, it will be given through your IV line. Once you are asleep, a tube called a catheter may be placed in your bladder to drain urine.
What should I expect when the operation is over?
As soon as the operation is finished you will be taken to the recovery area, which is equipped to monitor patients after surgery. Many patients feel confused and cold when they wake up after an operation. You may have muscle aches or a sore throat shortly afterwards. These problems should not last long, and you can ask for medication to relieve them. You will stay in the recovery room until you are no longer dizzy and have come round. As soon as possible your nurses will ask you to move as much as you can. They may encourage you to get out of bed and walk a little after the operation. You may feel tired and weak at first. The sooner you resume activity, the sooner your body can return to normal.
What do I need to know before I go home?
Before you leave, a nurse or another doctor will give you any instructions about diet, medication and caring for your incision. They will tell you what things or activities to avoid, and for how long. You should know whom to call if you have a problem, and what to call your doctor about — such as a fever or increased vaginal bleeding.
How long will recovery take?
If you have had major inpatient surgery, it will probably take a month or more before you are ready to resume your normal routine. Minor procedures need less recovery time, but you may have to limit certain activities for a short period.