Pre-Op Care

What is pre-op care?

Preoperative care, or pre-op care, is the care and medical attention you receive before going into surgery. Getting quality pre-op care helps minimize your chances of surgery-related complications and can set you up for a smoother recovery after your surgery. 

During pre-op care at Physicians Medical Primary Care, your doctor helps you physically and mentally prepare for a major operation. They can help settle your fears about your surgery and give you as much information as possible about what you can expect before, during, and after the operation. They also make sure you’re healthy enough to undergo your surgery successfully. 

What does pre-op care entail?

During pre-op care, your doctor accumulates as much information as possible about your health and body functions. While your pre-op care varies depending on the type of surgery that you need and its purpose, your pre-op care might include:

• Medical history
• A physical exam
• Blood testing
• Urinalysis
• A discussion of your current medications
• A discussion of your allergies
• Skin cleaning
• Hair removal

Your doctor can walk you through each step of your pre-surgery preparation and make sure that you feel confident about the surgery.

How long does pre-op care take?

The amount of preparation you need to do for your surgery depends on what type of surgery you’re getting and its purpose. Your pre-op care may take months of preparation and planning, or less than an hour before your surgery starts. 

Aside from the testing and information, Physicians Medical Primary Care may give you instructions to follow in the days or hours leading up to your surgery. They may include:

• Changing or stopping your medication dosages
• Fasting
• Stopping smoking
• Altering your diet
• Taking certain medications to prevent complications

Your doctor makes sure you know your instructions and can follow them closely. If you need help or clarification at any time, they provide it.

To find out about the pre-op care required for your upcoming operation, book an appointment by phone or online at Physicians Medical Primary Care today.