If we end up on the operating table unexpectedly, as a result of an emergency, there is no time to get our bodies prepared. In such an event, doctors do their best to ensure that the procedure is performed safely and correctly, emphasizes Dr. Dávid Bárdos. However, in the case of an elective surgery, it is greatly beneficial for both your body and your surgeon to arrive well prepared, adds the STéG specialist. Surgery is similar to a sporting event, such as a running race or a long hike, and just as you need to prepare for these with a full backpack, a proper itinerary, and a schedule, it is also worth getting ready for surgery in a similar way. During and after surgery, the body uses up its reserves. Therefore, it is essential that your body is in its best possible condition and well rested by the time the procedure begins, explains Dr. Dávid Bárdos, pointing out that surgery preparation can begin as soon as the date is set.
1. Ask your surgeon and read the information leaflet provided.
The first and most important step of preparation is to consult with your attending doctor, as they are the ones who are most familiar with your condition and can offer the most comprehensive information. From the time it is decided that surgery is necessary until the moment of anesthesia, you can ask questions at any time, and you should make use of this opportunity. It is worth jotting down your questions in advance so that nothing is left out, allowing surgeons to provide more detailed answers, as it is in everyone’s best interest that the patient is prepared and knows what to expect, says Dr. Dávid Bárdos. He emphasizes that every case is different. For example, a young, athletic man prepares for minor surgery differently than an elderly person with a weakened constitution who is facing a life-saving operation. For this reason, your surgeon is the best person to inform you of what you need to know. They may even advise you to gain or lose weight before the procedure, if necessary.
At the Department of Surgery, Transplantation and Gastroenterology, patients receive written guidelines that include medical information as well as instructions on what to bring with them to the hospital, notes Dr. Dávid Bárdos. The list of tasks also includes the usual hygiene measures, with particular emphasis on thorough cleansing of the area to be operated on. Hair removal is also more comfortable at home, as it is more hygienic and allows the skin to heal before the intervention. Remove your piercings and makeup at home, and make sure your nails can be examined, so do not wear nail polish or artificial nails, and leave your jewelry at home, the surgeon adds. It is also advisable to avoid getting the surgical area tattooed for at least one month before surgery.
2. Preparing for surgery is a good “excuse” to start living a healthy lifestyle.
In addition to the recommendations made by your doctor, STéG’s Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol helps those undergoing digestive tract surgery to prepare for their operation. For those who are not involved in this program and do not have to follow very strict guidelines, Dr. Dávid Bárdos advises that the surgery should be a good opportunity to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Quit smoking, stop drinking alcohol, try to lose weight if you are overweight, and exercise every day! By sticking to this not just for a few days, but for a few weeks, you can significantly aid your recovery after surgery.
A patient in good health will find it much easier to breathe, will have less difficulty getting out of bed, and will be less likely to develop pneumonia. Even if you don’t have to follow a strict diet, you should still aim for a diverse, low-fat, protein-rich meal plan, says Dr. Dávid Bárdos.
3. Don’t try to solve everything on your own.
If you are preparing for hospitalization or surgery, do not try to cope with your illness on your own. Get your family and friends involved and do not hesitate to ask for help. For some, going to the doctor with their loved ones is perfectly natural, but for others, this can be challenging, and some may even refuse surgery despite their illness, citing family or work commitments. The surgeon advises those facing hospitalization and surgery to embrace their status, trust their surroundings, and accept help from family members, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances.
There is no shame in being ill; anyone can get into this situation, and it is therefore advisable to inform your surroundings, emphasizes Dr. Dávid Bárdos. If your children live in another country, call them and discuss the available options for assistance together. It is better to think ahead than to organize dog walking or car parking from a hospital bed, he points out.
4. Prepare for the post-operative period in advance and plan your recovery.
It is important to plan the period following surgery. It’s a good idea to make arrangements for hospital discharge in advance. If you are expected to need nursing care, try to arrange for help, at least for the first few weeks. This is particularly important if you have a condition that is unlikely to be fully cured, or that will permanently change your daily life, such as limb surgery or a stoma. This includes discussing what to expect with your employer in advance, advises Dr. Dávid Bárdos.
5. Prepare mentally; psychological interventions help improve your prognosis.
A series of studies and clinical experience confirm the effectiveness of psychological interventions used alongside medical treatments in achieving better prognosis. Regardless of its type, surgery can trigger a range of emotions. These are natural occurrences during the period surrounding the operation, but they can affect the individual’s psychological well-being. Reinforcing positive emotions can have a protective effect, while negative emotions need to be processed to overcome their influence. It is important to trust that you can actively contribute to your recovery and experience the possibilities of mobilizing your own strength, thereby strengthening your self-confidence and taking control of your life, Anita Juhász and Luca Kiss, clinical psychologists at STéG, recommend in their mental preparation booklet on the period surrounding surgery. Good mental health helps you find the strength to overcome and endure difficulties. Enjoy life as much as possible given the realities of the situation. Facing difficulties requires a lot of energy, which can lead to mental fatigue. However, if you have techniques for maintaining a good mental state, you can take a break and recharge your batteries to go on. Such techniques include keeping a gratitude journal, collecting sources of happiness, engaging in pleasant, recharging activities, using distraction techniques, as well as practicing relaxation and doing breathing exercises.
A good night’s sleep and a positive attitude toward yourself and others are also essential for maintaining good mental health. Credible, evidence-based information, peace of mind, and a positive emotional state have been shown to reduce pain perception. Let’s strive to remain mentally active even as bedridden patients – bearing in mind that inner spiritual work also counts as activity. Psychologists emphasize that it helps the healing process if you do not interpret your situation as one of vulnerability and loss of control.
Anita Szepesi
Translation: Judit Szabados-Dőtsch
Portrait by Boglárka Zellei – Semmelweis University; illustration: iStock by GettyImages/Piksel, EyeEm Mobile Gmbh, Daisy-Daisy, Ridofranz, Mirjana Pusicic
