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Weekly Wellness: The pre-operative process

Susan Cuningham
Weekly Wellness

Editor’s Note: This story is Part 2 of a 4-part series about surgery. Part 1 covers pre-admission, Part 3 covers anesthesia and Part 4 covers post-surgery.

Surgery can be stressful, but knowing what’s going to happen each step of the way can help.

Eve Stephenson, a registered nurse in the day surgery department at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center, outlines what to know about the morning of surgery.



Arrive on time: Patients will be asked to arrive at a specific time before their surgery, and Stephenson encourages patients to be on time or a little early.

“One of the most important things is for patients to come in early so we have time to prepare,” Stephenson said. “There’s a lot to do before surgery. Feeling rushed can make everyone more anxious, so we want to allow enough time.”



When a patient checks in, they’ll answer a few questions and receive an identification band, then will be taken to the pre-operative area.

Follow pre-admission instructions: “In order to keep patients safe and to ensure we can proceed with the surgery, it is important not to eat or drink,” Stephenson said. “Even taking small sips of water, smoking or chewing gum should be avoided.”

Other instructions may include to shower with antibacterial soap before coming to the hospital, to wear loose, comfortable clothing, to remove jewelry, and to avoid using lotions or perfumes.

Ask for help: From clarification on what the day holds, to requests to make the room more comfortable, Stephenson encourages patients to share their needs and questions.

“We really like to treat everybody like family,” Stephenson said. “People coming in for surgery can feel vulnerable. Our job is to make sure the patient is safe and feeling good about the procedure – we try to put them at ease as best we can.”

Starting an IV: After taking a patient’s vitals, the nurse will start an IV so patients can receive anesthesia, and any other medications needed during surgery.

“We have skilled nurses that do IVs all day long, and we have little tricks and pull out all the stops to get that IV started quickly,” Stephenson said.

Discuss what will happen: The nurse will review how long the surgery will take and what will happen once the procedure is finished, as well as what to expect in terms of pain and discomfort.

“Pain control is a big issue and discussing pain expectations is very important,” Stephenson said. “Even if you’re getting a small surgery, you’re going to have some pain. We try to explain that you won’t be pain-free, but we’ll do our best to help control it.”

Having a loved one or friend in the room can make it easier to remember the information that’s shared.

“Sometimes patients can feel like a deer in headlights thinking about what’s going to happen that day,” Stephenson said. “A family member or friend can help guide them and be there for them.”

Expect a flurry of activity: The final five to ten minutes before surgery begins can feel hectic. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will stop in to ask questions and do their own screenings, you’ll sign several consent forms and then you’ll be handed off to the surgical team.

“There’s a lot going on and it can be a hustle and bustle,” Stephenson said. “During this time, you will be asked many of the same questions by different members of your team. This is normal. It’s not that we are not listening, it is a double-check.”

While it may feel stressful, Stephenson assures patients that the burst of activity is part of the process.

Be honest: “It’s very important that you’re honest, and it’s a safe environment to share,” Stephenson said. For instance, if you’re worried that you ate at the wrong time or took a medication before surgery you shouldn’t have, always tell your nurse or provider, as adjustments can often be made.

“Surgery can be scary,” Stephenson said. “We are here to make this the best experience possible for the patient. We are here for you and to ensure everything goes as planned.”

Susan Cunningham writes for UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center. She can be reached at cunninghamsbc@gmail.com.


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