ISSUENO. 121CULMINATIONN O V2020Written by Lorie Gardner, RN, BSN, NBC-HWCWHAT YOUNEED TOKNOW ABOUTHAVINGSURGERYMany people had to delay their elective surgerydue to COVID-19. Now, many of these surgeriesare being scheduled as the pandemic numbersstart to decrease and necessary precautionsand protections have been put in place.
What is important to know before you agree tosurgery? First and foremost, you should understandthe details of the surgery, why it is being recommended,and what would happen if you did not do the surgery.As a nurse-patient advocate, I always recommend asecond and sometimes a third medical opinion so youcan be sure you have enough information to makeyour best decision. Many health insurance companiesare requiring these second opinions. The importanceof getting second and third opinions can’t be stressedenough.Equally important is knowing what the benefits ofthe surgery will be and how long those benefits willlast. Discuss with your doctor if there are differenttechniques for the surgery and why your surgeondoes it one way over another. Askif there are any alternatives tosurgery such as medical or nonsurgicalalternatives, or could“watchful waiting” be an option.Selecting a SurgeonIsn’t it ideal to get a surgeonwith the most experience? Thatis why it is crucial to find outhow many surgeries a year asurgeon conducts. By seeing asecond opinion surgeon you cancompare this statistic. A reviewof the surgeon’s outcomes,complications, such as infectionrate and side effects, is important.You can get a surgeon scorecardat Propublica.org to assist you.Not only can it matter greatly the surgeon youchoose to do your surgery, but the hospital youselect is important, too. Make sure to review thehospital and what its safety score is by checking theLeapFroggroup.org website.Ask your surgeon who the anesthesiologist is andwhat his or her credentials are. Ask to meet theanesthesiologist before surgery.Special Considerations for COVID-19Here is a list of questions and answers thatshould be considered when you are planning to haveelective surgery based on the recommended Re-Openprotocols for elective surgery:• When and where should I be tested for Covid-19?Most of the time the surgeon’s office will provideyou with directions on where to get tested. Your testresults will be sent directly to your physician. In mostcases, patients should be tested 72-96 hours beforetheir scheduled surgery. This result should be knownprior to surgery to safeguard the healthcare workers“Theimportanceof gettingsecondand thirdopinions can’tbe stressedenough. ”and other patients.• Should I be self-isolating once I have mypre-surgical Covid-19 test? Yes. Once you haveyour pre-surgical Covid-19 test, you should beself-isolating at home and avoid going out, ifpossible.• Should I report if I have been in contactor exposed to anyone with Covid-19? Yes. Ifyou were exposed to someone with knownCovid-19 or suspected Covid-19, with signs andsymptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, fever,or shortness of breath, report this to yoursurgeon’s staff. This may delay or postponeyour surgical procedure.• Can my family come into the hospital withme? This depends on hospital policy. Somehospitals may allow one family member or nofamily members, depending on its Covid-19policy and the current CDC Guidelines. If afamily member is permitted, their temperaturewill be taken prior to coming into the facility.Your temperature will also be taken and youboth will be checked for signs and symptomsof Covid-19.• What can I bring with me to the hospital?Hospitals are advising that you limit personalitems and clothing, especially for “same day”surgical procedures. In most cases, you areadvised to wear comfortable loose clothingand will change into a hospital gown at thefacility. You should also bring identification,your insurance card, your cell phone, and acharger.• Is the staff at the hospital being screened forCovid-19 on a regular basis? Yes. The hospitalor ambulatory surgery center is required toscreen staff daily by taking their temperatureand screening them for signs and symptoms ofCovid-19. They are also asked about any knowncontact with a person who has Covid-19.• Are hospitals cleaning and disinfectingpatient equipment and rooms regularly? Yes,hospitals or surgery centers must follow thecleaning protocols set by the CDC and useapproved disinfectants.• Has the staff been educated on the protocolsto prevent the spread of Covid-19? Yes. Thehospital or surgery center must educate itsstaff on the CDC infection prevention protocolsthat prevent the spread of Covid-19, such asmeticulous handwashing for 20 seconds, usingpersonal protective equipment for contactwith patients, universal masking, socialdistancing, and cleaning and disinfectingpatient care equipment between use.
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