Pre-Surgery Checklist: 10 Things Every Patient Must Know Before an Operation

Preparing for surgery can be overwhelming. But a well-planned checklist helps reduce anxiety, prevent complications, and speed up recovery. Here’s a patient-friendly guide to the 10 essential things you must know and do before your surgery.

1. Understand the Procedure Completely

Essence: Being informed helps reduce fear and builds trust.

• For example: Ask your surgeon, “What exactly will be done?”, “Why is this procedure necessary?”, and “What are the risks and expected outcomes?”

2. Share Your Complete Medical History

Essence: Transparency helps your medical team make safe decisions.

• For example: Disclose any chronic conditions (like diabetes or hypertension), past surgeries, or allergic reactions to anesthesia or medicines.

3. Follow Preoperative Fasting Guidelines

Essence: An empty stomach reduces risk during anesthesia.

• For example: Doctors usually recommend no food or water 6–8 hours before surgery. Even chewing gum can be risky!

4. Discuss Your Current Medications

Essence: Some drugs can cause bleeding or interfere with anesthesia.

• For example: Blood thinners, diabetic meds, or herbal supplements like ginseng must be reported. Your doctor will advise which to stop or continue.

5. Arrange For Post-Surgery Support

Essence: Recovery needs help at home, especially for the first 24–72 hours.

• For example: Ensure someone is available to drive you home, monitor vital signs, help with meals, and manage medications.

6. Know Your Hospital’s Admission & Discharge Process

Essence: Being prepared avoids last-minute stress.

• For example: Carry valid ID proof, insurance papers, admission slip, and any required medical reports on the surgery day.

7. Prepare Your Body – Hygiene & Shaving

Essence: Infection control begins before you enter the OT.

• For example: You might be asked to shower with antiseptic soap or avoid shaving the surgery area yourself to prevent skin infections.

8. Stop Smoking and Alcohol (If Applicable)

Essence: Tobacco and alcohol delay healing and increase surgical risks.

• For example: Even 3–4 weeks of abstinence before surgery can dramatically improve lung function and recovery outcomes.

9. Ask About Recovery Time and Restrictions

Essence: Setting realistic expectations helps plan leave and lifestyle changes.

• For example: Know when you can resume walking, driving, or working, and whether physiotherapy will be required.

10. Get Emotional and Mental Clarity

Essence: Anxiety and fear are common – talk them out.

• For example: Don’t hesitate to ask, “What if something goes wrong?” or request a brief counseling session with a nurse or psychologist.

✅ Bonus Tip: Pack a Small Essentials Bag

Include:

• Comfortable clothes
• Mobile charger
• Basic toiletries
• ID + Insurance
• Medical reports + prescriptions

Conclusion

Surgery may sound scary, but preparation empowers you. Discuss openly with your healthcare provider, follow instructions carefully, and stay mentally strong. A well-prepared patient is halfway to recovery!