What To Expect Before Heart Surgery
There are many types of heart surgery. The type you
need depends on your situation. One person's experience before an operation can
be very different from another's.
Some people carefully plan their surgeries with
their doctors. They know exactly when and how it will happen. Other people need
emergency heart surgery. Others are diagnosed with blocked coronary arteries
and are admitted to the hospital right away for surgery as soon as
possible.
If you're having a planned surgery, you may be
admitted to the hospital the afternoon or morning before your surgery. Your
doctors and others on your health care team will meet with you to explain what
will happen. They will give you instructions on how to prepare for the surgery.
You also may need to have some tests, such as an
EKG
(electrocardiogram), chest x ray, or blood tests. An intravenous (IV) line will
be placed in your arm to give you fluids and medicines. Hair near the incision
site may be shaved. Your skin may be washed with special soap to reduce the
risk of infection.
Just before the surgery, you will be moved to the
operating room. You will be given medicine so that you fall asleep and feel no
pain during the surgery. |