Natura
Preparing for surgery: important tips and information
Upcoming surgery is often associated with uncertainty and fear. Will the operation go well and lead to the desired result? How dangerous is the anesthesia? How long will it take to fully recover? Is there an alternative to the invasive procedure? What can you do yourself beforehand to get your body and mind into the best possible shape? How do the informed consent discussions work? What else do you need to keep in mind? Our article on preparing for surgery addresses these and many other questions.
Preparing for surgery: is the procedure really necessary?
As much as necessary, as little as possible. Every procedure carries a certain risk, which is why unnecessary operations should always be avoided. If the procedure can be planned in advance (not an emergency operation), you should definitely seek several expert opinions beforehand. It is not uncommon for the first and second opinions to differ significantly. Do not hesitate to express your doubts and concerns. If in doubt, consult another expert and ask about alternatives. Also ask how you can prepare for the operation. After all, it is your body and your health!
Preparing for surgery: take good care of your body!
Every procedure places a great physical strain on the body. A good general condition considerably lowers the complication rate and can shorten the hospital stay. The fitter and more mobile you are on the day of the operation, the better!Use the time before the operation to be more physically active. Even moderate exercise, ideally in the fresh air, strengthens the muscles, the cardiovascular system and the respiratory system.Your diet is also very important when you are preparing for surgery. Make sure you get enough vitamins and minerals. Avoid highly processed foods, preservatives and alcohol. Plenty of vegetables, fruit and nourishing but light meals should now be at the top of your menu. Of course, you should also drink enough fluids, preferably unsweetened tea and water. If you shed a few extra pounds while preparing for your operation, that is a welcome side effect: excess weight puts additional strain on the circulation during surgery. If possible, you should also avoid nicotine, as smoking can lead in particular to impaired wound healing, problems with oxygen supply and infections.
Preparing for surgery: reduce fear and stress!
Fear and stress have a very negative effect on our general well-being. Talk about your feelings with people you trust! Bring up your fears during the informed consent discussions with the surgeon and the anesthesiologist. To reduce stress, it is extremely important not to bottle up your worries – and, as everyone knows, a trouble shared is a trouble halved... Allow yourself some leisure while you prepare for the operation. Long walks, light reading and calm music are ways to consciously take time for yourself. Yoga, autogenic training or other meditative methods are also ways to engage with calm and with your own thoughts.
Preparing for surgery: the (anesthesia) informed consent discussion
During the informed consent discussion in preparation for surgery, you receive information about the procedure and risks of an operation. It is intended to enable you to make a well-founded decision for or against the operation. This is why the discussion must not take place at too short notice, i.e. not practically on the operating table. For inpatient treatment, the informed consent discussion must take place at least the day before.Ideally, the informed consent discussion takes place when the date of the operation is set. As a rule, you will then receive an information sheet on which the individual points are recorded in writing. Once all open questions have been clarified, you will be given a consent form. By signing it, you give your consent to the operation, without which the procedure may not take place. However, you are not obliged to sign the form immediately! If you do not feel sufficiently informed or need more time to decide, you should say so right away.In addition to the discussion with a surgeon, there is also an informed consent discussion with the anesthesiologist. This covers the procedure and type of anesthesia and potential alternatives. You will also be informed about typical risks and asked about pre-existing conditions and medications. It is particularly important that you provide detailed information here! Only then can the anesthesiologist assess possible individual risk factors and prepare the operation as well as possible.
Preparing for surgery: preliminary examinations
Comprehensive diagnostics are necessary, especially for more complex procedures. Depending on the type of illness and procedure, the following preliminary examinations, for example, are necessary:
Supplementary naturopathic laboratory tests at Natura Heilpraxis (not a prerequisite for the operation and not a substitute for the medical preliminary examinations) -
Mitochondrial diagnostics (mitochondrial activity and energy production)
Whole blood mineral analysis
Vitamin deficiency
Amino acids
Heavy metal test
Detoxification capacity
Bowel check-up
General medical examinations -
General physical examination
Chest X-ray
Lung function test
ECG
Blood tests
Complete blood count
Electrolytes
Blood sugar
Liver values
Kidney values
Blood group determination (important in case a transfusion is needed)
Medical history
Pre-existing conditions
Medications
Allergies
Tobacco and alcohol consumption
Previous experience with anesthesia
Preparing for surgery: other acute illnesses
While you are preparing for the operation, other illnesses may suddenly occur. A mild cold does not usually lead to an increased risk of complications. Nevertheless, it is better to notify the treating physician immediately if you do not feel well. In consultation with you and the clinic, the physician will decide whether the procedure needs to be postponed.
Preparing for surgery: what do you need to bring to your appointment?
To spare yourself unnecessary stress, you should pack everything you need in good time. In addition to comfortable clothing, toiletries and other personal items, be sure to remember the following:
Consent form (if not already submitted)
Personal medications
Hospital referral
Results of preliminary examinations
Physicians' letters
Aids such as glasses, hearing aid, walking aid, etc. and
Contact details of relatives
Preparing for surgery: the day before the procedure
During the informed consent discussion, you will be told which medications you need to stop taking before the operation. You should also not eat anything for at least six hours before the procedure. Incidentally, milk and other cloudy liquids also count as food and must therefore not be consumed. In most cases, however, you may still drink some clear fluids such as water or tea up to two hours before the procedure.As a rule, you will already be in the clinic the day before the operation to prepare for it. If you are very restless, you can ask for a sedative to help you fall asleep.
Preparing for surgery: the day of the operation
On the day of the procedure, apart from the measures mentioned above regarding medication and fasting, there is hardly anything else for you to consider. However, if the operation involves paired organs or limbs, it is advisable to have them clearly marked in front of you to avoid mix-ups. The German Coalition for Patient Safety (Aktionsbündnis Patientensicherheit) has published special recommendations for preventing mix-ups in operations. If you are interested, you can find more detailed information here:
Recommendations for preventing mix-ups in operations
Preparing for surgery: we are here for you!
Surgery should always be the last resort. Nevertheless, some procedures unfortunately cannot be avoided. That makes it all the more important for you to prepare for your operation consciously and with confidence. The Natura Heilpraxis team is there to support you with advice and practical help. We accompany you on a physical as well as a psychological level, for example:
with questions about exercise and nutrition before surgery
with quitting smoking
with dealing with fears
with individual stress management
... and of course we are always there for you after the procedure, too!
If you have any questions or are interested in a free 15-minute introductory conversation or an initial consultation, please feel free to contact us!
Professionally responsible: Yesha Karmeli, naturopathic practitioner (Heilpraktiker), Natura Heilpraxis Berlin. This text provides general information and does not replace individual advice.
