Getting geared up for surgery: patient’s checklist

Surgery is a major event in life. its best taken with utmost seriousness to avoid errors.

Investigations:  Please remember to carry all of them with you.

• CBC/ hemogram, 
• LFT [liver function tests], 
• RFT [renal / kidney function tests],        
• PT,PTT,INR  [coagulation profile], 
• BG: blood group 
• Random blood sugar, Urine routine examination, 
• Viral markers: HIV, HCV, HBsAg, 
• Cardiac assessment: Chest X Ray, ECG, 2D ECHO
• Other tests as per individual risk factors
• Biopsy or FNAC report
• Mammography or sonomammography report and film

• USG abdomen and pelvis [if advised by Dr]
• Bone scan [if advised by Dr]
• Whole body PET CT scan  [if advised by Dr]

• Fitness evaluation from Physician and anesthesiologist

Declare:

• Previous surgeries– be it any, 
• Allergies: drug allergy, sticking allergy or any substance allergy.
• Comorbidities like hypertension or high BP, diabetes, previous heart attack, arrhythmias, previous cardiac stenting or bypass surgery, asthma etc

• If you are taking blood thinner [commonly used being aspirin or clopidogrel], it needs to be stopped at least 5 days prior with your cardiologist’s advice.

• Policy for blood reservation: usually blood transfusions are not needed in this surgery unless the patient has anemia in pre op assessments. However on saer side blood is reserved so it can be given in untoward emergencies.

Breast Cancer Surgery Preparation checklist:  

Pre-Operative

• Blood thinners: Stop aspirin or aspirin like products prior to the surgery.

•  Nil by mouth: Nothing to eat or drink after 12 midnight: the night before surgery or minimum 8 hrs prior to surgery. NOT EVEN WATER  

• Shower: 

Shower the night before and the day of surgery.

 • Use approximately one ounce of antiseptic soap (CHLORHEXIDINE OR SAVLON      soap :  30 ml), washing below the neck only. You may use your regular soap / shower gel or shampoo for face and hair.

 • Rinse well.

 • Repeat above steps.

 • Use a freshly laundered towel to dry off after each shower.

 • Put on freshly laundered garments (night clothes, underwear, etc.).

• Arrange for a family member, friend or escort to bring you to the surgical procedure and take you home.  

• The secretary from the Suyog Cancer clinic or RMO doctor will get in touch with you in the evening before surgery to confirm time and location for check in for your surgery. If you have not received a call by 4 p.m., you may call on 9819073781 . 

• Please discuss any medications you usually take in the morning with the on duty RMO at hospital.

 Day of Surgery  

• Leave jewelry and valuables at home.  NO METAL ELEMENT ON BODY DURING SURGERY like chain, ear ring or rings in toes, bracelet etc
• Wear your glasses instead of contacts if you have them. 

• Please do not use deodorant or lotions on your skin and nail paints too. 

• Avoid using hair spray or gel. 
• Wear comfortable clothing.  
• Remind staff nurses not to use the hand on the surgical side for IV cannula i.e. if one has right breast cancer then no cannula on right upper limb.