Before Your Operation

The prospect of an operation, and a breast operation in particular, can be daunting for every patient and family. This information should help address the important issues surrounding any operation.

General Health

Your general health must be evaluated prior to an operation or procedure. This may involve a brief preoperative interview with the surgeon and/or anesthesiologist; or it may be necessary to arrange preoperative medical evaluation with your family physician.

It is especially important if there is a history of high blood pressure, heart problems or heart surgery, diabetes, bleeding problems, or any other specific conditions that require ongoing evaluation by a physician. Occasionally, these problems are not mentioned during your initial evaluation before the operation, so if we did not specifically discuss these during your preoperative evaluation, please let us know before your operation.

Pre-Procedure Testing

Procedures performed in the office require no special preparation (but remember not to use aspirin for at least one week before the procedure.)

Outpatient surgical procedures performed in the hospital, however, may require some laboratory studies in advance. Many hospitals and surgery centers have dedicated outpatient units for preoperative testing, where appropriate laboratory testing can be arranged before your scheduled operation.

These tests are specifically ordered based on the nature of your operation and medical conditions. The anesthesiologist who sees you may also order specific tests indicated by your medical history.

Preoperative Preparation

You can do several things now to ease your recovery from surgery, and decrease the risk of complications:

• First, and foremost, stop smoking! Smoking tobacco increases the risk of lung and wound complications, and impairs wound healing.
•If you stop smoking even only several days before the operation, you will improve your recovery from surgery and benefit your general health. Take advantage of the operation to stop smoking forever.
• Moderate exercise—as permitted by your condition before surgery—will also ease your recovery after the operation.
• Avoid any aspirin or aspirin containing products (written "acetylsalicylic acid" on drug labels) for at least 7 days prior to surgery. Aspirin is a potent blood thinner and increases the risk of postoperative bleeding. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin®, Advil®, Nuprin®, Aleve®, Naprosyn®, Anaprox®, Feldene®, and Voltaren® are milder blood thinners and should be avoided for at least one day before the operation.
•Tylenol® ("acetaminophen") does not cause bleeding and can be taken before and immediately after the operation.
• When you come to the hospital, remember to bring a detailed list of your medications with names, doses and frequency of administration. An exact list of your medications must be available on your chart for reference by physicians and nurses.
• The day of surgery, leave all your jewelry at home, or with a family member before leaving your room. Constrictive bracelets and bands can cause accidental injuries to patients under anesthesia. If you prefer not to remove your wedding ring, please tell the nurses before surgery.

When in doubt...

If you are uncertain about your operation--why it is going to be performed, or exactly what it involves--you should call the office to ask any questions you still may have. With breast surgery especially, it is very important that you feel informed and confident about your decision to proceed with surgery.