What you may not know about preparing for gynecological surgery

Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns believe that the more you know about preparing for gynecological surgery, the less nervous you will feel on the day of your procedure. You can help our surgeons by complying with all the instructions provided. Everything our physicians and staff advise you to do is for a reason, and following our directions makes the surgery and the recovery a smoother process.

Five ways to prepare for gynecological surgery

Some of our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns’ directions about preparing for gynecological surgery may surprise you and leave you wondering why you are being asked to do these particular things. Here are five critical steps to take before surgery and the reasons why our physicians ask you to follow these directions.

1. Stop smoking cigarettes and marijuana. Smoking affects your heart and lungs, and so does anesthesia. When you stop smoking, your lungs begin to improve as early as 12 hours after you stop.
2. Do not drink alcohol in the 24 hours before your surgery. Refraining from drinking prior to surgery is an important part of preparing for gynecological surgery. Alcohol affects how your body absorbs anesthesia and your blood’s ability to clot.
3. Provide our obgyns with a complete list of every medication or supplement you take. Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns need to know about every prescription and over-the-counter medication, as well as any vitamins, supplements or herbal remedies you take. Different ingredients can affect the medications our doctors need to administer during and after surgery.
4. Remove nail polish and acrylic nails before surgery. This may seem like a small thing to do when preparing for gynecological surgery, but it’s essential. Surgeons and anesthesiologists need to see your natural nail bed to check for circulation problems.
5. Do not shave for a certain amount of time before surgery. Ask our obgyns which areas of the body you should avoid shaving and for what period of time prior to surgery. Hair removal can leave nicks in the skin that increase your risk for an infected wound.

Our compassionate staff and experienced Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns make preparing for gynecological surgery as easy as possible. Our goal before and after surgery is a happy, healthy patient. Contact us for an appointment.

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