Advice Prior to Surgery
Facing Surgery? Ditch Smoking, Plan Rest Time
Cigarette smoking can hike your chances of complications from surgery, said Matthew Finnegan, M.D., Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center general surgeon.
"But, studies have shown that if you quit even two weeks prior to the operation you will do better than if you kept smoking," he said.
More pre-op advice from Dr. Finnegan, M.D.:
- Even the smallest operation requires appropriate preparation, so read your pre-op instructions carefully
- All patients should seriously plan adequate rest and recovery time after surgical procedures
- Pain is different for every patient, so don't be afraid to ask for pain medication and take it. You should not become an addict if you follow the prescribed dosage
And finally, make sure you are on an appropriate nutrition program, something Dr. Finnegan does not take lightly. He has developed the Lourdes-Magee Nutrition Program for special care patients undergoing major surgery at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital.
"We emphasize appropriate nutritional support prior to major surgery, especially in compromised patients with cancer, obesity, strokes and diabetes," he said.
