The
Process
Before Surgery
You may need to have a preoperative
physical exam by your primary or
referring physician. You will be
given a sheet of instructions for
cleansing the rectum.
Day of Surgery
On the day of surgery, report to the
admitting area to register. A nurse
will take your vital signs (blood pressure,
pulse and temperature) and go through
a list of questions to ensure you are
ready for surgery. If your doctor or
anesthesiologist requires a chest x-ray
or EKG and these were not done as part
of your preoperative examination, you
may have them done at the hospital.
Blood will be drawn and sent to the
laboratory for current test results.
You may also be asked to give a urine
specimen.
Then your family will be directed to
the surgical waiting room and you will
go to a preop room. The anesthesiologist
will talk with you about options for
anesthesia
In
the Operating Room
You will be escorted into the operating
room. An IV will be started. You will
receive medication to relax you and
then the anesthesia chosen by you and
your doctors will be given. You will
be positioned on your stomach over
a roll. The length of surgery varies
from patient to patient and is determined
by the general health of the patient
and how complicated the surgery is.
After
Surgery
Following surgery you will be taken
to the recovery room where specially
trained nurses will care for you. Your
doctor will meet your family after
surgery to discuss your condition.
Getting Ready for Surgery
To prepare for your surgery—
Do not eat or drink anything after
midnight the night before your surgery;
this includes water and chewing gum.
Continue to take medication as prescribed,
but with only a sip of water. Do not
take ibuprofen, aspirin or any medication
containing aspirin for one week before
your surgery.
Do not smoke after midnight the night
before your surgery.
Do not wear any make-up, especially
eye make-up.
Do not bring large sums of money, jewelry,
or credit cards.
If you wear contact lenses, bring the
case.
Do not wear artificial nails or nail
polish. Your nails are monitored during
surgery to identify oxygen and blood
circulation.
Bring a list with you of all medications
and their dosages.
Bring your insurance identification
cards.
Commonly Asked Questions
How long will I be in the hospital?
Most likely you will be discharged
on the same day. In some situations
you may stay in the hospital one or
two nights.
Will I have stitches? The use of stitches
depends on the procedure. However,
if they are used, they will dissolve
in a few weeks. There may be some bleeding
at that time.
How
much pain will I have and how is
it managed? The incision does cause
pain. You will be given pain medication
to take at home. If you need a refill
for a pain medication, you must call
your pharmacy during normal business
hours.
What
kind of diet will I be on at home?
You will be on a regular diet.
Will
it hurt to move my bowels? Yes, there
will be pain. Avoid constipation
by eating a high-fiber diet, drinking
plenty of water (8-10 glasses of
liquid per day), and taking natural
fiber products. Taking baths will
also help to relieve the pain. Do
not take laxatives unless directed
by your doctor. Passing loose stools
is painful.
Will
I have bleeding? It is normal to
have bleeding with your bowel movements
for up to two weeks. If you pass
more than a cupful of blood, you
should call your doctor.
How
soon can I exercise? You can do whatever
you are comfortable doing and what
you can tolerate. You may increase
your activity as you tolerate it.
What
medications will I need at home?
You will be given pain medication.
You should resume your usual medications
if directed to do so by your doctor.
How
soon can I drive? You can drive when
you are comfortable enough to do
so and are no longer taking pain
medication.
When
can I go back to work? Return to
work varies depending on your procedure.
Discuss this with your doctor.
What
will I have to do at home? You will
be able to care for yourself, but
you may need some assistance with
cooking, housekeeping, and grocery
shopping.
Do
I need someone to stay with me at
home? It would be preferable to have
someone stay with you.
When
can I have sex? This varies with
the procedure. Discuss this with
your doctor.
Can
I swim in a pool or lake? Yes, you
can swim in either one.
If
your doctor is not available, a doctor
on call is available 24 hours a day,
every day of the year, including
holidays. After hours call any of
our offices and the answering service
will locate one of our doctors on
call. In an emergency try to contact
us for advice before you to the hospital.
A telephone call may save you a lot
of time, money, and discomfort.
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