The spectrum of general surgery is pretty wide, ranging from minimally invasive colonoscopies to more major abdominal surgeries. For this reason, the specific preparations that you should make before your surgery will be unique to your situation.

However, here are some common guidelines we ask patients to follow prior to their procedures.

Make sure you:

• Bring a responsible adult with you to the hospital to assist with transportation and check-in.
• Have a responsible adult who can pick you up after your surgery and stay with you for 24 hours after your procedure.
• Wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothes that are easy to change into and out of.
• Get enough rest before your surgery date.
• If you regularly take any medication, please bring it with you, so you can continue to take it in the hospital.

Make sure you do not:

• Eat after midnight the night before your surgery. Any undigested food can cause complications during surgery and could result in your surgery being rescheduled.
• Drink any liquids (except for water) after midnight before your surgery. You may drink water up to 2 hours before your surgery.
• Do not smoke for 24 hours before your surgery.
• Wear any makeup to the hospital. The color of your skin and fingernails can assist the medical staff with certain medical conditions.

Many surgical procedures require anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and to assist the surgeon in operating freely.

A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is a highly skilled professional responsible for precisely determining the appropriate anesthetic dosage to induce sleep. During the surgery, they will also monitor the patient's breathing and comfort levels.

Your physician will inquire about any prior adverse reactions to anesthesia to enable the CRNA to select an alternative medication for your procedure, if necessary. It is common to experience temporary disorientation and confusion upon initially awakening from anesthesia; however, these sensations typically subside quickly after your surgery.

Just like preparation depends on the specific type of surgery you are undergoing, the recovery process will also differ based on the procedure.
There are some general guidelines we suggest to patients for speeding up recovery from any kind of surgery. These guidelines include:

• Ensure you get adequate rest and nutrition with plenty of sleep and regular meals.
• Try to keep the surgical site as still as possible during the initial healing stage to limit the possibility of aggravating the wound or dislodging stitches.
• Complete any course of antibiotics you have been prescribed in its entirety.
• If you have been prescribed pain medication post-surgery, try to limit its use unless you are actually in pain to avoid developing a dependence.
• If you experience high levels of pain or swelling following your surgery, be sure to contact your doctor immediately.

The recovery time after surgery varies greatly depending on the type of surgical procedure you have undergone and your body's natural healing processes. For some minor procedures, recovery can take just a few days, while more complex surgeries may require weeks or even months.

It is important that you attend all scheduled post-operative visits with your physician to monitor progress and address any concerns. Additionally, following the post-operative instructions and rehabilitation plans provided by your healthcare team can significantly influence the speed and success of your recovery. Your post-operative instruction may include:

• Taking prescribed medications
• Adhering to activity restrictions
• Maintaining a proper diet

Always discuss your specific recovery expectations with your general surgeon and healthcare team to ensure a smooth recovery.