Since you'll want to be comfortable, choose practical clothing with a loose fit. Sweats or loose workout pants are generally a good choice. You may want to consider wearing shorts if you're having knee surgery. Shirts or blouses with buttons in the front are easiest to put on and take off.
“Most hospitals provide a cotton waffle weave blanket, which isn't particularly warm, so perhaps bring your own doona or blanket. Many patients can feel cold after surgery, and especially during the night. An extra blanket or doona will help you sleep better and you'll feel well-rested and stronger,” she says.
You will most likely be required to remove all undergarments. We understand this can be confronting and uncomfortable for some people, however it is required for surgery, assists in an emergency and ensures your personal garments aren't unnecessarily cut or stained.
In most cases, you only wear your underwear underneath your gown when you have a surgical procedure. When you arrive at the hospital or outpatient facility, your nurse will tell you what clothes you can keep on under your gown, depending on your surgical site.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing, including socks. A surgical facility is always kept at a cooler temperature. Valuables - including jewelry, wigs and contact lenses should be left at home. We cannot be responsible for their safety.
This is because all humans have germs on their skin that may cause an infection after surgery. Taking two showers (one at night and one in the morning) with CHG soap removes germs and reduces the risk of infection. Your doctor's office will give you the CHG soap and showering instructions.
Take nothing by mouth after midnight the night before. This means that you cannot drink any liquids, eat food, chew gum, smoke a cigarette, or have a mint. If you brush your teeth, do not swallow any water. If your surgery is late in the day, please ask the nurse or anesthesiologist about having a light breakfast.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This includes water, coffee, gum, or mints. If you do, it may be necessary to cancel your surgery. Do not smoke or use chewing tobacco after midnight the night before your surgery.
This is because when the anaesthetic is used, your body's reflexes are temporarily stopped. If your stomach has food and drink in it, there's a risk of vomiting or bringing up food into your throat. If this happens, the food could get into your lungs and affect your breathing, as well as causing damage to your lungs.
You may have CLEAR liquids (such as clear apple juice, water, Gatorade) up until 2 hours before your surgery. If you have long hair, consider braiding it or putting it in a ponytail. Don't put on makeup or use any hair products. Remove your contact lenses and wear your eye glasses to the hospital (if this applies to ...
Do not rinse CHG off the skin prior to surgery. Put on clean pajamas and sleep in clean sheets. After applying CHG wipes, do not shower, bathe, or apply lotions, moisturizers, or other personal care products.
Hair: Many hair products and hair pieces contain highly flammable products. Your safety is our first priority. That's why we require that you wash your hair the night before or the morning of surgery using only shampoo and conditioner. DO NOT use any other hair products after washing.
This is because your wound should not be soaked in water until it's healed. It could cause the skin to soften and reopen the wound. Guidelines published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) say you can have a shower 48 hours after surgery.
The process of waking up from anesthesia is known as emergence. During emergence, the anesthesiologist will slowly reduce the amount of anesthetic drugs in the body. This helps to reduce the intensity of the effects of anesthesia and allows the patient to regain consciousness.
Since the operating room table is narrow a safety strap will be placed across your lower abdomen, thighs or legs. Your arms will be placed and secured on padded arm boards to prevent them from falling off the table.
A note on tampons: your nurses will likely ask you to remove a tampon and opt for a pad instead to reduce the risk of infection - anaesthetic can wreak havoc with focus and memory, albeit temporarily, and you may forget about that tampon post op.”
In the majority of cases, you will be asked to remove all other clothing and just leave your underwear on underneath the gown. Interweave provides the Dignity hospital gown to many hospitals, as this provides the patient with more dignity.
You should wear it as much as possible (even while sleeping), but can remove it to shower. Some women opt for a special surgical bra while others wear a supportive sports bra.
Oral hygiene must be excellent prior to surgery. Therefore, way in advance of the surgery, the patient should brush, floss, and care for their teeth and gums twice a day. On the morning of surgery, brush and rinse with mouthwash or water.