Common Questions Before Surgery
Posted on: 3 August 2021
When you have surgery, there is usually an underlying realization that this is what you need to do in order to preserve or improve your health. But that does not mean you're wrong to be a little apprehensive about surgery or to have a few questions. Patients sometimes feel silly about asking these questions before surgery, but there's no reason to be ashamed. You deserve to be informed before such an invasive procedure. Discover the answers to some of your surgery questions below.
What will being under anesthesia feel like?
If you're going under general anesthesia for your surgery, then you should not feel a thing This type of anesthesia renders you completely unconscious. You'll be counting down as you drift off to sleep, and you won't be aware or awake again until the surgery is over. You'll feel groggy while you are waking up, but that feeling will soon fade.
If you're having a regional anesthetic, then the part of your body being operated on will be completely numb. You won't be able to feel a thing. However, you will be awake during the procedure. You may be given a sedative that makes you feel drowsy and happy, too.
What if the surgeon leaves a tool inside of you?
You may have seen television shows depicting situations in which a surgeon left an instrument inside a patient, only for them to learn about it months later after tons of painful symptoms. Although this has happened a few times, it is incredibly uncommon and not something worth worrying about. There are protocols in place to ensure it does not happen. Surgeons have to count and account for tools before the procedure is over. Today, many procedures are done laparoscopically through small incisions, so there's not even much of a chance for tools to be left inside.
How are the incisions closed?
Patients often wonder how the incisions made during surgery will be closed. There are three different ways a surgeon may do this. They can use classic sutures, staples, or surgical adhesive. Which one they choose will depend on the location of the incision and its size. Smaller incisions are often closed with surgical adhesive. Larger ones may be sutured internally, and then stapled on the exterior. If you ask your surgeon how they'll close your incisions, they should be able to tell you.
Undergoing surgery is not always easy, and it can bring up lots of questions. Don't be afraid to ask your general surgeon for more information.
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