Surgery FAQs

Check with your surgeon for the soap you should use before the surgery.

Do not use any deodorant before the surgery.

Your surgical team or doctor will advise you on what to eat and what not to eat before your surgery. Check with them to know what you should eat or drink before the surgery.

You can take a bath or shower on the day of your surgery. However, don't use powder, lotion, perfume or aftershave.

Do not wear makeup during your surgery.

You should not wear any makeup during your surgery. When you are under anesthesia, you don't have a blink reflex. Small particles of your makeup products (especially mascara) can cause injury to your eyes. Also, hair products, makeup, and nail polish are flammable, so you should not wear them during your surgery.

Vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate are constantly monitored by your anesthesiologist and nursing staff. If they notice any changes in your vital signs that indicate a danger, they will take appropriate steps to correct it.

Yes, an IV (intravenous catheter) is placed before the surgery so that fluids and medications can be delivered safely and quickly through your vein. It is usually inserted while in the preoperative area by your anesthesiologist and nursing staff.

Depending on the type or length of the surgical procedure, your surgeon or anesthesiologist may insert a Foley catheter for your safety. It is placed after you are given anesthesia, so you won't feel it. The amount of urine that passes through the catheter is measured during the surgery and indicates the state of your health.

Your anesthesiologist can prescribe you some medications to calm you. However, these medications are given after you have signed your consent form and consulted your surgeon.

As you do not wear your usual clothes, you will feel cold in the operating room. Your surgical team wears full-length gowns, gloves and masks and they move around and work hard during your operation. Should they perspire, it would be a risk to you.

Your surgical team maintains a sterile field during your surgical procedure. They will wear a mask over their mouth and nose, some may wear a full hood that covers their head, many will wear a sterile gown and sterile gloves. Disposable supplies are sterilized by the manufacturer while reusable instruments are sterilized before each use.

If any sterile item comes in contact with an item that is not sterilized and anyone in your surgical team notices this, they will inform the others immediately; it is called surgical conscience. That item is then removed from the sterile field, re-sterilized or replaced, if needed.

You will feel some discomfort and pain after the surgery. Nausea or vomiting may be caused due to anesthesia or medicines you have received. You may experience drowsiness and have other minor effects including sore throat, muscle aches, and headaches, or occasional dizziness.

Make sure that you understand your doctor's or nurse's post-surgical instructions and follow them at home. Keep yourself comfortable for a few days until you feel normal. Move around, and increase your activity at home. Increased mobility helps in preventing post-surgical complications and speeding the recovery time.

Surgical discomfort and side effects of anesthesia or medications may cause general tiredness. Plan to rest for a few days until you feel better. It may take a few days before these effects are gone completely.

The discomfort and pain will go away within a few days. You will be able to resume your normal daily activities within a week. You will have to go for a follow-up appointment with your doctor or surgical team two weeks after the laparoscopic surgery.

The recovery time from a hernia operation depends on the hernia and the type of surgery (open or laparoscopic) performed. You may feel pain, discomfort, tiredness, nausea, or have a low fever for a few days, but you should feel better within 7 days. You may feel pulling or twinges in the hernia repair for several weeks. Depending on your situation, full recovery may take around 4-6 weeks.

Eat high-fiber foods that include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, or oatmeal. Avoid processed foods, red meats, sweets, dried or dehydrated foods, cheese, and dairy products. Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine.

It takes around 2-24 hours for propofol to be eliminated from your system. A single dose used for IV sedation wears off within minutes.