Health
Types, Recovery, Side Effects, and Risks
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Days to Weeks Before Surgery: Pre-op Assessments
A few days to weeks before your operation, you will have a pre-op assessment with your doctor, who will discuss the surgery you will be getting. They will explain the procedure and risks, and answer any questions you have. They may also discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used.
Your doctor will conduct a medical evaluation to assess your overall health and identify any potential risks you might have. This may include taking your vital signs (such as temperature and blood pressure) and ordering blood tests, imaging studies, prostate biopsy, and other diagnostic procedures to better understand the extent of your disease (you may not need these if you had them when you were diagnosed).
At this time, it’s important to let your doctor and the healthcare team know about the following:
- All medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements
- If you’re sensitive or have an allergy to any medications, latex, iodine, tape, contrast dyes, or anesthetics
- If you have a history of bleeding problems
- If you smoke
You will receive specific instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. You may be asked to stop taking any blood thinning medications, including aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), one week before surgery.
Stopping smoking for even just a few days before your surgery will help you recover better and avoid breathing problems during surgery.
The Day Before Surgery
You may be asked to begin a “bowel prep” the day before your surgery, which will probably involve drinking a liquid solution or using an enema to empty your colon.
You will also be instructed to only drink clear liquids 24 hours before surgery, and to avoid eating or drinking anything at all after midnight the night before your surgery. If you have medications you need to take, you will have to take them with just a small sip of water.
Don’t forget to make arrangements for transportation to and from the hospital.
The Day of Surgery
Before heading to the hospital on the day of your surgery, remember to:
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and glasses instead of contacts, if necessary.
- Leave any metallic objects you wear (including body piercings) at home, along with other valuable items.
- Avoid using any products on your skin, such as lotions, deodorant, makeup, or cologne.
- Pack loose-fitting clothing, brief-style underwear one to two sizes larger than what you normally wear, and sneakers that lace up (so they can be loosened if you have swelling).
- Bring your breathing device if you have sleep apnea, as well as something to hold your personal items like hearing aids, toothbrush, dentures, and eyeglasses.
You may also want to bring entertainment for your hospital stay, such as headphones for music, a book or magazine, or a tablet.
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