Preparing for a Splenectomy: Do This, Not That

A splenectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the spleen. It’s performed to address conditions like spleen enlargement, trauma, or blood disorders. As with any major surgery, proper preparation for splenectomy surgery in Orange County, CA, is essential for an optimal outcome and a smoother recovery. Following the recommendations below can help set the stage for a better experience and minimize complications to speed up your return to normal activities.

Preoperative Consultation

Schedule a consultation with your surgeon well in advance of your splenectomy. This meeting is important for discussing the procedure itself, its benefits and potential risks, and what you should expect during recovery, so come prepared with questions and take notes. During this consultation, you’ll also need to provide a comprehensive overview of your medical history, including any past surgeries, current medications, and existing health conditions to help the surgical team tailor their approach and anticipate any potential complications.

Don’t assume your healthcare team has all the necessary information about your health. Even if you’ve been a long-time patient at the facility, it’s important to communicate everything thoroughly. Failing to mention seemingly unrelated health issues or occasional medications could impact the outcome of your splenectomy surgery in Orange County, CA, so always err on the side of over-communicating when it comes to your health history and current status.

Also Read: Laparoscopic Splenectomy Explained: What to Expect

Preoperative Testing and Assessments

Follow through with all preoperative tests ordered by your surgical team. These typically include blood work, imaging studies like CT scans or ultrasounds, and possibly cardiac evaluations. Attend any scheduled preoperative assessment appointments, as these are designed to make sure you’re physically ready for splenectomy surgery in Orange County, CA. These sessions also involve meeting with anesthesiologists and nurses who will review your health status and provide important pre-surgery instructions.

Don’t skip or postpone any recommended tests or assessments, no matter how inconvenient they may seem. Each evaluation plays a huge role in creating a safe splenectomy surgery in Orange County, CA, and a smooth recovery, so overlooking even one test could lead to unexpected complications or last-minute surgery cancellations. Always keep in mind that these precautions are in place for your safety and the best possible outcomes.

Medication and Supplement Management

Review all your medications with your doctor, including any prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. Your healthcare provider will let you know which ones to continue and which to pause before splenectomy surgery in Orange County, CA, as some medications may affect bleeding or interact with anesthesia.

Don’t make any changes to your medication regimen without consulting your healthcare provider first. It’s tempting to stop medications that you think might interfere with the surgery, but abruptly discontinuing certain drugs is dangerous. Additionally, don’t continue taking medications or supplements your doctor has advised against since even seemingly harmless herbal remedies could complicate your surgery or recovery.

Also Read: Robot-Assisted Heller Myotomy vs. Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy: Pros and Cons

Dietary and Lifestyle Adjustments

Stick to your surgical team’s dietary instructions in the lead-up to your splenectomy. These typically involve fasting for a specified period, usually 8-12 hours before the procedure, and following a specific pre-surgery diet. It’s also important to quit smoking as soon as possible, ideally weeks before splenectomy surgery in Orange County, CA, since tobacco use could significantly impair healing and increase complications. You’ll need to cut back on or fully eliminate alcohol consumption in the weeks preceding your operation as well, since alcohol may interfere with your body’s response to anesthesia and slow down the recovery process.

Don’t take preoperative dietary restrictions lightly or try to bend the rules. Eating or drinking when you’ve been instructed to fast may result in serious complications during anesthesia, and might even lead to a postponement of your surgery. Avoid the temptation to have “just one last cigarette” or “a quick drink to calm your nerves” because these seemingly small actions will likely have major impacts on your surgical outcome and recovery. The temporary discomfort of giving up these habits far outweighs the benefits to your health and the success of your procedure.

Preparing for the Day of Surgery

Arrive at the hospital or surgical center when instructed, as being punctual allows plenty of time for pre-surgery preparations without causing delays. Gather all necessary items well in advance, including your ID, insurance card, and any personal comfort items that the facility allows. Bring a current list of medications and any medical devices you use regularly, and arrange reliable transportation for both your arrival and departure. 

Forgetting documents or arriving late could lead to unnecessary stress or the postponement of your splenectomy surgery in Orange County, CA, so don’t leave important preparations until the last minute. You also shouldn’t plan to drive yourself home or rely on public transportation after the procedure – this is not only against medical advice but potentially dangerous.

Postoperative Care Planning

Carefully review and understand all postoperative care instructions provided by your healthcare team. These guidelines are created to help facilitate a smooth recovery and often include details on wound care, pain management, and activity restrictions. It’s also a good idea to plan ahead for your recovery period by arranging help at home, which might involve asking family or friends to assist you with daily activities, meal preparation, or transportation to follow-up appointments.

Don’t underestimate the importance of follow-up care, as skipping appointments or ignoring postoperative instructions might lead to complications and slow down your recovery. Avoid the temptation to rush back into normal activities before you’re cleared by your doctor, even if you’re feeling better, and never hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team if you have concerns or questions during your recovery. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

Managing Expectations

Set realistic expectations for your recovery process, and understand that some pain and discomfort are normal after splenectomy surgery in Orange County, CA. Your return to regular activities will be gradual, so be patient with your body as it heals. It’s also important to maintain open communication with your healthcare team throughout your recovery. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions, concerns, or experience unexpected symptoms, as your medical providers are there to support you and address any issues that may come up.

Don’t push yourself too hard or too quickly after splenectomy surgery in Orange County, CA. Overestimating your recovery speed could lead to setbacks or complications, so try to avoid the temptation to return to strenuous activities before your doctor gives you the green light, even if you’re feeling better. Additionally, don’t ignore or downplay any unusual symptoms or persistent pain – these could be signs of complications that require immediate medical attention.

Conclusion

To prepare for a splenectomy surgery in Orange County, CA, patients need to pay careful attention to medical consultations, testing, medication management, and lifestyle adjustments. Proper preparation is the key to optimal outcomes, so closely following all of the guidelines outlined in this article prior to your procedure could significantly improve your chances of a successful surgery and smooth recovery. 

If you need to undergo a splenectomy in Orange County, CA, consider reaching out to us at Orange County Robotic General Surgery. As an SRC-accredited Surgeon of Excellence in Robotic Surgery, Dr. Khosravi offers advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgical procedures that lead to less scarring, reduced blood loss, and faster healing. Schedule a consultation today.