How To Prepare For Surgery

An article in the AARP magazine notes that the average American has nine operations during a lifetime and suggests ways to shape up before surgery:

• Get blood sugar under control--a fasting blood glucose test will disclose elevated blood sugar levels, which, if untreated, triple the risk of postsurgical infection and quadruple the risk of death during heart surgery
• Discontinue smoking--nicotine constricts small blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attack during surgery and hampers wound healing.  Smoking cessation for a month prior to surgery brings healing into a normal range.
• Mild exercise--walking, even a mile, without becoming overly fatigued, promotes better recovery
• Decrease alcohol--alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures, nervous system damage, irregular heartbeat, respiratory failure, and death during surgery
• Stop herbal supplements--for at least two weeks before surgery, especially ginkgo biloba, ginseng and valerian
• If you have sleep apnea--breathing problems during surgery and recovery are common
• Review medications--especially blood thinners, beta blockers, and review with your surgeon
• Prescription drink supplements--for five days before surgery to be properly nourished, reduces the risk of postsurgical complications

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc.,
Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

OHSU Study

According to a recent Oregon Health; Science University study, nearly 20% of people who underwent low back fusion surgery developed post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Past studies have noted PTSD symptoms in some trauma, cancer and organ transplant patients. This is believed to be the first study to monitor for PTSD symptoms in patients undergoing an elective medical procedure.

The OHSU study, of 73 patients, found that the majority of patients in the study reported a good experience and had substantial relief of their pre-operative pain, even though spinal fusion is major surgery that may involve complications and a long recuperation period.

While the strongest factor in predicting PTSD symptoms was depression or anxiety before the surgery, some patients who had no such pre-surgery diagnosis also suffered PTSD symptoms.

This study emphasizes two principles:

that all possible therapy may be tried before resorting to surgery as the final option, and institute pre-surgery interventions that might work best to reduce or eliminate and PTSD effects.

Source: Medical News Today

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309