Once you've checked in, there will be a bustle of preparation around you. Here are some tips to help you make sure things go right:
- Your anesthesiologist will visit you just prior to your surgery. If safe and a reasonable option, you may want to ask the anesthesiologist if you can remain conscious during surgery. For example, having a spinal or an epidural may allow you to stay awake without pain. You'll be able to somewhat monitor what's going on, and you'll be able to respond to the surgeon if he or she asks you questions.
- If appropriate, mark the correct area on your body with an indelible marker (like a Sharpie) prior to surgery. Write "this knee" or "this shoulder." Also, mark the side that is NOT correct. "wrong knee" or "wrong shoulder." While you're at it, and if you know you'll need to be asleep, then write your name somewhere near the area that will be opened up, too. That will help the team be sure you are the right patient, and that they are getting ready to operate on the right place. Marking body parts is recommended in the surgical checklists and the Joint Commission's Universal Protocol mentioned previously. I'm told that some surgeons prefer you not do the marking - but it's your body and your surgery and you are the one who has the most at stake if a mistake is made.
- You will be provided with a raft of paperwork that gives them permission to perform surgery on you. Make yourself aware of general informed-consent advice prior to your visit. But also be aware of some specific points to watch for when it comes to surgery. For example, even though you have met with your surgeon (and even though all discussions about your surgery are with this one doctor), he or she may not be the one who actually does the operation. It could be a resident (a student doctor). Review the informed consent documents carefully, and unless you are agreeable to someone else doing the surgery, you may have to amend the documents yourself before you sign them. Learn more about surgical bait-and-switch.
